Two alleged leaders of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) were arrested in separate operations for allegedly selling firearms illegally in Marawi City.

In an exclusive report by GMA Integrated News’ Emil Sumangil on 24 Oras, operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) arrested an alleged battalion commander of the MILF in a buy-bust operation.

Recovered from the suspect was a sack containing the guns he would supposedly sell to the undercover police officer posing as a buyer.

Meanwhile, an alleged MILF sub-commander was also arrested in a separate operation.

Seized during the operation were two rifles, two pistols, ammunition, and other paraphernalia.

24 Oras is trying to reach out to the suspects for a statement, as of this writing.

Based on data from the Philippine National Police (PNP), around 6,000 people were arrested while more than 20,000 loose firearms were recovered from January to September 2024, as part of its campaign to dismantle armed groups that may be used during election campaign.

“As early as last year po talaga ay pinaigting na natin yung ating kampanya against loose firearms dahil itong loose firearms ay isa sa mga risk factors na na identify natin na maaring makapag-implwensya sa mga election campaign natin,” PNP Spokesperson, Col. Jean Fajardo, said.

PNP said the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (BAR) is one of the areas that may be included as an election area of concern, which is why the police and the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) are monitoring the region.

“Nagsimula na po yung ating evaluation and assessment kung anong mga lugar po yung ating irerekomenda para mapasailalim po doon sa mga tinatawag po nating election areas of concern,” Fajardo added.