ALL POLICE offices in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) have been directed to intensify their campaign against loose firearms and prevent its proliferation in connection with next years’ national and local polls.
Brig. Gen. Eden T. Ugale, BARMM police director, issued the directive Monday after police authorities in South Upi, Maguindanao arrested three individuals and seized five loose firearms during a joint law enforcement operation with military troopers over the weekend.
“As early as this time, we are intensifying operations against loose firearms in preparation for the 2022 polls,” Ugale said.
Ugale said the police were to serve warrants of arrest against Nashor Wahab Omar for frustrated murder charges in his rented house in Barangay Biarong around 5 a.m. Sunday but managed to escape, leaving behind his three cohorts.
“The three suspects were seen carrying firearms without licenses and are considered loose guns,” the police official said.
Those arrested were identified as Basit U. Kamid, Asrad O. Sultan, and Tulondatu A. Omar, who were caught with firearms consisting of a Bushmaster rifle, an M16 A1 rifle, a 9mm pistol, two .45-caliber pistols, and various ammunition.
The arrested individuals, now detained at the South Upi police detention cell, are facing charges for violation of Republic Act10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
Ugale said police forces and units are poised for tougher and more coordinated operations against wanted persons and owners of loose firearms who are potential perpetrators of election-related violence.
“The intensified campaign is to prevent armed men with loose firearms to end up as private armed groups or security escorts of political candidates,” he said. (Edwin Fernandez)
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