LANAO DEL SUR (Mindanao Examiner / July 3, 2012) – Security forces have began enforcing a month-long gun ban in the five-province Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao because of the registration of voters, officials said.
The ban, which begins July 1, prohibits civilians from carrying guns without special permits from the Commission on Elections after police suspended all “permit to carry firearms outside residence”.
Only uniformed soldiers and policemen and law enforcers on official mission are allowed to carry weapons in the province of Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur, including Marawi, Lamitan and Isabela cities.
Just recently, feuding Muslim families clashed in Lanao del Sur and forced villagers to flee their homes for fear the would be caught in the crossfire.
Lt. Col. Marlon Yadao, commander of the 51st Infantry Battalion, said his group recovered an M14 rifle following the clash. There were no immediate reports of casualties from both sides, he said.
Police and military also set up checkpoints and roadblocks in many areas in the province and nearby towns to prevent the escalation of hostilities. (Mark Navales)
20