Authorities have arrested three gun ban violators in Misamis Oriental and Misamis Occidental within three days since the implementation of the election gun ban and start of the election period.

An alias “King” was arrested at a Commission on Elections (COMELEC) checkpoint in Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental on Sunday, January 12, 2025. He was the first to be arrested in Northern Mindanao for violating the gun ban.

Seized from his possession was a caliber .38 revolver.

Police said alias “King” failed to present a legal document that authorizes him to possess and carry a gun.

In Villanueva, Misamis Oriental, a man was arrested with a homemade Uzi sub-machine gun evening on Monday, January 13.

The man was reportedly under the influence of alcohol at that time.

Meanwhile, a member of the Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU) was arrested in Panaon, Misamis Occidental for allegedly firing his gun indiscriminately.

Police seized a caliber .45 pistol from the CAFGU member.

“Mag atubang ni sila og kaso nga violation of RA10591 ug illegal possession of firearms… lahi sab ang kaso for election gun ban… ang kining usa sab kay nagpabuto kini, illegal discharge of firearms,” Police Regional Office-Northern Mindanao (PRO-10) Spokesperson, Major Joann Navarro, said.

Police have beefed up security as several areas in the region were categorized as election areas of concern-yellow category due to election-related incidents in the past two elections.