By Che Palicte

GUN BAN VIOLATORS. Authorities inspect firearms seized from BARMM-appointed Mayor Anwar Zumpaga Saluwang (center) and three aides at Davao City’s Sirawan checkpoint on Tuesday (Feb. 4, 2025). Confiscated items include a 9mm pistol, a .45-caliber pistol, and ammunition. (Photo courtesy of Task Force Davao)

DAVAO CITY – A town mayor from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and three aides were arrested at the Sirawan checkpoint Tuesday night for violating the election gun ban.

Col. Rodrigo Mariñas Jr., commander of Task Force Davao (TFD), identified the suspects as Anwar Zumpaga Saluwang, appointed mayor of Nabalawag in BARMM’s Special Geographic Area, and aides Prangco Butulan Paglas, Samsudin Ayob Kabagani, and Maroufh Abas Yusop.

The group, traveling toward Davao City in a gray pickup truck, was flagged by joint TFD and Davao City Police Office (DCPO) personnel during a routine inspection. Authorities recovered a 9mm pistol with 46 rounds of ammunition and a .45-caliber pistol with two magazines containing 15 rounds.

The suspects and seized items are under the custody of DCPO’s Police Station 8 for processing.

“These operations are crucial to ensuring that no illegal items or contraband enter Davao City, safeguarding the safety and security of every Dabawenyo,” Mariñas said in a statement Wednesday.

He praised the TFD and DCPO teams at Sirawan checkpoint for their vigilance in screening inbound travelers. (PNA)