34 election gun ban violators arrested in BARMM, including barangay chair

The number of violators of the election gun ban in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) has increased to 34, with police confiscating 36 firearms.

Brig. Gen. Romeo Macapaz, PRO-BAR director, stated that Thong Gayak, chairperson of Barangay Tamontaka 4 in Cotabato City, was among those arrested on March 1 for possessing three unlicensed pistols at a checkpoint.

Gayak and his companions failed to present legal documents or an exemption from the election gun ban, leading them to face charges under Comelec Resolution 11067 and Republic Act 10591.

PRO-BAR emphasized that no special treatment will be given to violators, including soldiers and police personnel, as they plan to establish more checkpoints starting March 28 when the campaign period for House of Representatives and local candidates begins.

The PRO-BAR remains committed to maintaining peace and order during the campaign period, which will run from March 28 to May 10.