Buluan, Maguindanao del Sur — Four male individuals were arrested on Monday, May 12, after authorities discovered high-powered firearms inside their vehicle at a Comelec checkpoint in the town of Buluan. The incident occurred during heightened security operations on election day.

According to the initial police report, the suspects were flagged down at the checkpoint as part of routine inspection procedures aimed at preventing election-related violence. Upon inspection, authorities discovered several high-powered firearms inside the suspects’ vehicle. These included rifles and other weaponry restricted under election gun ban protocols.

The suspects are now under the custody of the local police for further questioning and investigation. Authorities are probing whether the firearms were intended for use in election-related violence or other illegal activities.

The Philippine National Police and the Commission on Elections reiterated their call for vigilance and full cooperation from the public to ensure safe, peaceful, and honest elections.