Army seizes 19 high-powered weapons in SGA-BARMM ahead of elections

Army troops uncovered a large cache of firearms in Barangay Lower Panangkalan, Pahamuddin town within the Special Geographic Area in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (SGA-BARMM) on January 20.

The raid, which took place during the five-month election period leading up to May's midterm polls, resulted in the seizure of 19 high-powered weapons including M16 rifles and grenade launchers following a tip from a concerned citizen.

Soldiers from the 34th Infantry Battalion managed to approach the target without alerting those present, leading to the abandonment of weapons by over 20 individuals attempting to flee.

A subsequent search of the village led to the discovery of assorted high-powered firearms and ammunition in several locations.

Lieutenant Colonel Edgardo Batinay emphasized that the military is collaborating with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to enforce a strict gun ban and prevent election-related violence.