- Nabalawag mayor, three aides arrested at Sirawan checkpoint for gun ban, firearms violations
NABALAWAG town’s OIC Mayor Anwar Zumbaga Saluwang and three of his security aides were arrested at the Task Force Davao checkpoint in Sirawan, Toril District, Davao City, around 10 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025, after police allegedly discovered firearms and ammunition in their vehicle.
According to a report from the Davao City Police Office (DCPO), Cpl. Ram Relopez of the 1st City Mobile Force Company (CMFC) and CAAII Jessie Salem, both assigned to the Toril Police Station (PS8) and detailed at the TF Davao Sirawan checkpoint, conducted a routine vehicle inspection. They flagged down a silver-gray Mitsubishi Triton driven by Samsudin, one of the mayor’s aides.
During the inspection, officers observed the grip of a firearm in plain view on Samsudin’s right side. A further search revealed another gun on the floor matting between the feet of a passenger later identified as Mayor Saluwang. Two other passengers, identified as Maroufh and Prangco, also had magazines containing ammunition in their possession, according to the report.
The recovered firearms included a .45 caliber M1911 A1-CS pistol with 15 rounds of live ammunition and two magazines and a 9mm STK100 Armscor pistol with five magazines containing 58 rounds of live ammunition.
Police said the mayor and his security team could not produce documentation for the weapons, including a permit to carry firearms outside of residence (PTCFOR) and a gun ban exemption.
Cpl. Relopez then informed the individuals of their constitutional rights before placing them under arrest.
Saluwang, 49, is the appointed mayor of Nabalawag, Cotabato Province. The other arrested individuals are Maroufh, 30, a bodyguard from Raja Buayan, Pidsandawan, Sultan Sa Barongis, Maguindanao; Samsudin, 39, the driver from Nabalawag, North Cotabato; and Prangco, 33, a bodyguard also from Nabalawag.
The suspects are currently detained at the Toril Police Station pending the filing of charges for violations of Republic Act 10591 (Illegal Possession of Firearms and Ammunition) and the Omnibus Election Code, which includes provisions for the election gun ban.
The seized firearms and ammunition are in police custody.
Meanwhile, Captain Hazel Caballero, the spokesperson of the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) said was scheduled to be filed this Wednesday afternoon. However, the case is bailable so the mayor can be released once he posts bond.
The media tried to ask the mayor but he declined to comment about his arrest.
Colonel Rodrigo Mariñas Jr., commander of Task Force Davao, commended the efforts of the JTF Davao and DCPO personnel at the Sirawan checkpoint.
“The recent apprehensions of illegal drugs and firearms at our border control points demonstrate the stringent checkpoint operations conducted by security forces,” said Mariñas.
“These operations are crucial to ensuring that no illegal items or contraband enter Davao City, safeguarding the safety and security of every Davaoeño,” he added.
Photo courtesy of Rhoda Grace B Saron
