Two Arrested in Maguindanao del Sur for Possessing Firearms During Election Gun Ban

Authorities in Datu Salibo, Maguindanao del Sur apprehended two suspects found in possession of unauthorized firearms during a Commission on Elections (Comelec) checkpoint inspection, the Police Regional Office Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO BAR) reported on Tuesday.

The incident occurred early Monday morning in Barangay Sambulawan, where officers observed firearms inside the suspects’ vehicle during a routine checkpoint operation. A subsequent search yielded several firearms, including a 5.56mm Elisco rifle, a .45 caliber Armscor pistol, a 5.56mm Colt rifle, and a .45 caliber Shooter pistol. All the recovered weapons contained magazines loaded with live ammunition.

The suspects were unable to provide valid permits or documentation for the firearms in their possession.

PRO BAR confirmed that the individuals will face charges for violating the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act as well as the Comelec-imposed gun ban currently in effect. The gun ban, which commenced on August 14, aims to ensure peace and order ahead of the upcoming Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) parliamentary elections scheduled for October 13, 2025.

This operation is part of ongoing efforts to enforce election-related security measures and prevent the circulation of illegal firearms in the region.