Mayor and three bodyguards arrested at Davao City for gun ban violation

DAVAO CITY – Authorities arrested the appointed Mayor of Nabalawag Special Geographic Area (SGA) in BARMM, along with his three bodyguards, for illegal possession of firearms at a COMELEC gun ban checkpoint in Sirawan, Toril District, Davao City, around 10 p.m. on January 4, 2025.

Davao City Police Director Colonel Hansel Marantan identified the mayor as Anwar Saluwang, who had been reported missing in Cotabato Province before the incident.

Also taken into custody were his bodyguards: Maroufh Abas Usop, 30, from Sultan Sabarongis, Maguindanao del Sur, Samsudin Ayob Kabahani, 39, from Nabalawag, Cotabato Province, and Prangco Paglas, 33, from Nabalawag, Cotabato Province.

The group was stopped at a fixed checkpoint jointly manned by Task Force Davao personnel and Toril Police Station 8 officers for mandatory inspection. During the search, law enforcers spotted a firearm handle inside the vehicle, and another gun was found on the floor of the pick-up truck driven by Samsudin Ayob Kabahani.

When asked for documentation, Mayor Saluwang and his bodyguards failed to present a valid exemption from the Commission on Elections (COMELEC). This led to their immediate arrest for violating the election gun ban.

The COMELEC gun ban, implemented under Resolution No. 10918, is in effect from January 1 to June 12, 2025, covering the election period for the May 2025 midterm elections.

Under this provision, Carrying, bearing, or transporting firearms, explosives, and deadly weapons in public places is strictly prohibited unless exempted by COMELEC. Only those with COMELEC-issued written exemptions can carry firearms, such as law enforcement officers on official duty. Security personnel, including politicians’ bodyguards, must apply for an exemption to carry firearms during the election period legally.

Marantan has been roaming around the city to remind all police precincts to implement the laws, especially since the elections are approaching.

According to Police Major Sheryl Bautista, Acting Station Commander of Toril Police Station 8, no individual is exempt from the COMELEC gun ban, regardless of their position in government.

“We would like to remind the general public that the Election Gun Ban applies to all, regardless of status in society and positions in the government. No one is exempt from complying therein. Only the COMELEC has the sole power to issue a written authority to carry firearms per existing laws and regulations,” Marantan stated.

Authorities revealed that the arrested individuals were en route to attend a Comprehensive Training on Efficient Fund Management at a hotel in Davao City when they were intercepted.

The suspects are currently in police custody, pending the filing of charges for violating the Omnibus Election Code and Republic Act 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act).

Law enforcement officials continue to enforce strict compliance with election security measures, warning the public that similar violations will result in immediate arrest and prosecution.