Gun Ban Enforcement Begins in Cotabato City
As the election period for the Bangsamoro parliamentary elections officially commenced on August 14, security forces have started manning key entry points in Cotabato City to enforce the election gun ban. The gun ban aims to ensure a peaceful and secure environment leading up to the October 13 elections.
Police Brig. Gen. Jaysen De Guzman, regional director of the Police Regional Office in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (PRO-BAR), reported that Cotabato City Police Director Colonel Jibin Bongcayao, Marine Colonel Romulo Dimayuga of the First Marine Brigade, and lawyer Mohammad Nabil Mutia spearheaded the establishment of checkpoints as part of the gun ban enforcement.
Strict Measures to Maintain Peace
“This is part of the preparation for the October 13 parliamentary election,” De Guzman said. “We would like to ensure that the election is peaceful.” Security personnel are vigilant in preventing the carrying of firearms, explosives, and other deadly weapons during the election period, which runs from August 14 until October 28.
Authorities also plan to provide security details for election officers in BARMM who have reported threats against their lives. These measures follow a thorough threat assessment conducted by the police to safeguard election officials during their duties.
Gun Ban Coverage and Exceptions
The election gun ban covers all individuals, including business owners with private security. Only those with valid exemptions from the Commission on Elections (Comelec) are permitted to carry firearms during this period. At exactly 12:01 a.m. on August 14, all police stations across BARMM began implementing the gun ban in their respective jurisdictions.
De Guzman emphasized the ban’s dual purpose: “This activity aims to maintain peace and order in preparation for the upcoming BARMM elections while also enhancing police operational management and supporting the anti-criminality campaign.”
Scope of BARMM and Election Context
The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao includes the provinces of Maguindanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, and Tawi-Tawi. It also covers the cities of Cotabato, Marawi, Lamitan, and 63 villages across eight new towns known as Special Geographic Areas (SGAs).
Comelec chairperson George Garcia highlighted that the gun ban is a crucial step to prevent poll-related violence during BARMM’s first-ever parliamentary elections scheduled for October 13.
Challenges with Loose Firearms in BARMM
Officials noted that BARMM has long struggled with a significant number of loose firearms circulating among private armies, politicians and their supporters, lawless groups, rebel factions, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), and clans involved in longstanding feuds. The gun ban enforcement is a vital effort to curb violence and maintain order amid this complex security landscape.
For more news and updates on election gun ban enforcement, visit Filipinokami.com.
