The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) reported on Friday that 20 violations of the firearm prohibition have been logged in relation to the inaugural parliamentary polls in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
According to poll officials, security forces have detained 23 individuals for defying the election gun ban. Authorities have confiscated a total of 34 weapons, including 17 small arms, 10 light weapons, and seven explosive devices.
The arrested suspects will face legal action for violating Republic Act No. 10591, known as the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, alongside provisions of the Omnibus Election Code governing illegal weapon possession during the official election period.
Additionally, offenders may be charged under COMELEC Resolution No. 11214, which outlines banned activities and the electoral timeline for the BARMM vote.
To preserve peace and security throughout the region, the Philippine National Police has deployed more than 9,400 personnel across the Bangsamoro territory.
An estimated 2.39 million registered voters are expected to participate in the landmark BARMM parliamentary elections scheduled for September 14.