Gov employee arrested for violating election gun ban

A government employee was arrested on Sunday, January 12, for violating the election gun ban during its first day of implementation.

Saud Guidali from Barangay Bulalo, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte, was identified as the suspect and detained at a checkpoint in Barangay Mother Tamontaca, Cotabato City.

Guidali claimed to be a licensed gun owner but could not present a Comelec exemption permit or any documentation, leading to his arrest.

The Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR) spokesperson Lt. Col. Jopy Ventura stated that the suspect is under investigation for possible involvement in previous incidents and currently faces charges.

At least 11 fixed COMELEC checkpoints and 14 mobile and spot checkpoints were set up across Cotabato City, which was categorized as an election area of concern due to serious security threats.

PRO-BAR assured that the first day of implementing the gun ban in the region was generally peaceful with ongoing preparations for compliance by lower units.