A government employee in Cotabato City was arrested for allegedly violating the election gun ban during the first day of its implementation on Sunday, January 12, 2025, which also marked the start of the election period.

The suspect, a resident of Barangay Bulalo, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte, was arrested at a checkpoint in Barangay Mother Tamontaca, Cotabato City.

According to the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BARMM), a CZ P-09 gun was seen inside the suspect’s minivan during plain view inspection.

The suspect was taken under police custody and is facing charges for alleged violation of the election gun ban.

The suspect did not issue a statement.

“Subject for investigation natin since wala naman po siyang naipakitang mga document, at in fact, bawal naman tayo talaga magdala sa panahon ngayon. Isa sa chine-check natin is kung meron ba siyang involvement sa mga previous incident,” PRO-BAR Spokesperson, Lt. Col. Jopy Ventura, said.

CHECKPOINTS

Meanwhile, at least 11 fixed Commission on Elections (COMELEC) checkpoints and 14 COMELEC mobile and spot checkpoints were opened in different areas in Cotabato City.

Cotabato City is among the areas categorized as election area of concern-red category due to serious security threat.

PRO-BAR added that the first day of implementation of the election gun ban in the region was generally peaceful.

“Sa ngayon, generally peaceful naman. Nag-ikot na po ang ating regional director, nag-conduct na po ng red teaming regarding sa preparation at compliance ng ating lower units tungkol sa pagpapatupad ng COMELEC checkpoint in relation to upcoming elections,” Ventura added.