PNP-BARMM confiscates loose guns; Maguindanao village exec in hot water

These seven firearms and ammunition were seized from a Maguindanao village chairperson and part of the 118 loose firearms recovered during massive police law enforcement operations in BARMM. (PNP-BARMM)

PARANG, Maguindanao—Police authorities in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) today announced it confiscated 118 assorted high-powered firearms that were unlicensed, including two licenesed in Baguio City.

Brig. Gen. Arthur Cabalona, BARMM police director, said the firearms were confiscated during law enforcement operations in the region during the past week.

Among the firearms recovered by the police in Maguindanao were seven rifles from Usop Sanggacala Aron, chairman of Barangay Rumirimbang in Barira, Maguindanao.

Aron ran and lost in the vice mayoralty race of Barira town during the recently held elections.

Two of the rifles confiscated from Aron were registered with the PNP in Baguio City, as per PNP data. It was unclear how the two rifles registered in Baguio City found its way into the hands of Aron.

Cabalona said it is still under investigation.

Cabalona said aside from 118 assorted loose firearms, the police operations also led to the confiscation of three fragmentation grenades, dismantling of a local criminal gang in Rajah Buayan, Maguindanao, and seizure of firearms from Dawlah Islamiyah who surrendered in Lanao del Sur.

At least 10 persons have been nabbed or surrendered during the operation in the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.

Cases for violation of the  Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act have been filed against the suspects for unlawful acquisition or possession of firearms.

Cabalona expressed gratitude to the Bangsamoro community for their support and cooperation to the police authorities.

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