Cotabato mayor, aides nabbed for gun ban violation

MANILA, Philippines — A municipal mayor in Cotabato and his three security aides have been arrested for allegedly violating the election gun ban imposed by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Davao City.

Mayor Anwar Saluwa of Nabalawag town and his men were apprehended at around 10 p.m. on Tuesday at a Comelec checkpoint in Barangay Sirawan, Toril district.

Saluwa and his companions were in a car on their way to a hotel when a member of the Task Force Davao reportedly spotted the tip of a gun on the driver’s side.

During inspection, authorities reportedly found another gun on the floor of the vehicle.

Police said they reportedly recovered from Saluwa and his men two pistols and ammunition.

The mayor and his aides were detained at the Toril police station jail.

Charges of violation of Republic Act 10591 or the Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, and the Omnibus Election Code will be filed against Saluwa and his companions, police said.

“We would like to remind the public that the election gun ban applies to all regardless of status in society and position in government. No one is exempted from complying with the law. The Comelec has the sole power to issue a written authority to carry firearms in accordance with existing laws and regulations,” Maj. Sheryl Bautista, Toril police acting chief, said.