ANWAR Zumpaga Saluwang, the appointed mayor of Nabalawag in Cotabato, and three of his bodyguards were arrested at the Task Force Davao Sirawan checkpoint in Toril, Davao City, on Tuesday evening, February 4, 2025, for violating the election gun ban.
According to a Davao City Police Office (DCPO) report, Saluwang and his group were caught carrying firearms and ammunition without the required written authorization from the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
Authorities became suspicious after spotting an exposed gun handle near the driver. A search of the vehicle uncovered a firearm on the floor mat in the back seat, positioned between a passenger’s feet, suggesting an attempt to conceal it.
Saluwang claimed they were en route to attend a training on Efficient Fund Management at Acacia Hotel on February 6, along with other Special Geographic Area-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (SGA-Barmm) mayors.
The suspects remain in police custody and will face charges for violating Republic Act 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act) and the Omnibus Election Code.
The DCPO reminded the public that the election gun ban applies to everyone, regardless of status, and that only COMELEC can issue exemptions.
Meanwhile, PNP spokesperson Police Brigadier General Jean Fajardo reported that as of February 3, 572 individuals had been arrested for gun ban violations, with 576 firearms seized, mostly revolvers, pistols, and replicas. DEF
