Politics · Philippines Bureau
Death toll climbs to 12 in Maguindanao gun violence despite BARMM firearm ban
A farmer became the latest casualty in ongoing armed incidents across the two Maguindanao provinces, even as authorities maintain a gun ban ahead of the Bangsamoro region's historic parliamentary elections scheduled for September 14.
LSN Philippines ·
COTABATO CITY — Violence involving firearms continues to claim lives across Maguindanao despite a comprehensive gun ban imposed by the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) since July 16, with at least 12 people killed to date.
The death toll includes a farmer, identified as the most recent fatality in the troubled provinces. The killings underscore persistent security challenges in the region even as election preparations intensify ahead of the September 14 parliamentary polls, a landmark political event for the Bangsamoro region.
Authorities in BARMM implemented the firearm ban to ensure peace and order during the electoral period. However, armed groups and individuals have continued to circumvent the restrictions, fueling the cycle of violence that has gripped both Maguindanao provinces.
The recurring incidents have raised concerns among regional officials and election monitors about maintaining security throughout the polls. Authorities have intensified patrols and checkpoints in volatile areas, though the pace of killings suggests enforcement gaps remain.