PNP records 15 gun ban violators in BARMM since election period start

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has documented 15 instances of gun ban violations within the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) since the commencement of the election period on July 16. The Commission on Elections has implemented this gun ban, which will remain in effect until September 29, aiming to guarantee safety and security during the electoral process for the historic Bangsamoro parliamentary polls.

According to the PNP's latest monitoring report, these violations occurred across various law enforcement operations. Two individuals were intercepted at checkpoints, seven were apprehended during police response and patrol operations, two were caught during an anti-illegal drugs campaign, two were involved in gun buy-bust operations, and another two were arrested during other law enforcement activities.

In total, 19 individuals have been arrested since July 16. To manage the security situation, approximately 23,912 personnel from the PNP, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and other law enforcement agencies have been deployed. These personnel are stationed in over 100 identified areas of concern throughout the BARMM region.

The BARMM is preparing for its first-ever elections on September 14, where an estimated 2.3 million voters are expected to cast their ballots to elect 80 members of the Bangsamoro Parliament.