Police teams since Wednesday have become a highly visible presence in key locations across two Bangsamoro provinces, following a series of deadly gun attacks in the region. These incidents have occurred despite a nationwide election-related gun ban, raising concerns about security as the 2025 elections approach.
Brig. Gen. Romeo Juan Macapaz, director of the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR), addressed reporters on Thursday, February 6, emphasizing the collaborative efforts between the police and the Armyโs 6th Infantry Division.
Their mission: to enforce the gun ban in Maguindanao del Sur and Maguindanao del Norte, ensuring that the violence that has plagued both provinces over the past three weeks does not escalate further.
Urgent Measures
The gun ban, imposed by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) on January 12, prohibits the unauthorized carrying of firearms outside residences. It is part of a broader effort to maintain peace and order ahead of the May 2025 elections.
โLocal government units are also actively supporting us in implementing the gun ban in both provinces,โ Macapaz added.
The grim statistics underscores the urgency of these measures. Since the gun ban took effect, Maguindanao del Sur has witnessed a string of attacks, leaving 10 people dead.
Meanwhile, Maguindanao del Norte has recorded five fatal gun-related incidents during the same period.
In Datu Odin Sinsuat, a town in Maguindanao del Norte, security has been significantly tightened. The area is under the watch of PRO-BARโs 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company, led by Lt. Col. Esmael Madin.
Key locations, such as Barangay Awangโhome to the Cotabato Airportโand Barangay Tamontaka, which borders Cotabato City and Datu Odin Sinsuat, have been under strict surveillance since Wednesday.
Cotabato City, the regional capital of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, remains a focal point for security efforts.
Police Ramp Up Security
Despite these measures, violence has persisted. Since January 12, two residents have been killed and another injured in separate shooting incidents in Datu Odin Sinsuat.
In response, security forces have ramped up their efforts.
Last week, Lt. Col. Madin and his team, alongside the Datu Odin Sinsuat Municipal Police Station, seized an unlicensed .38 caliber revolver from a motorcycle rider at a gun ban checkpoint in Barangay Capiton.
The police arrested the suspect. He is facing charges of illegal possession of a firearm and violating the Comelec gun ban.
The stakes are high as the 2025 elections draw near.ย Increased police presence and strict enforcement of the gun ban are critical steps toward preventing further bloodshed.
However, the recent attacks serve as a stark reminder of the challenges authorities face in ensuring a safe and peaceful electoral process in the region.
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