‘Gun for votes?’ Kalinga peace council seeks disqualification of politicians giving guns during elections

TABUK CITY, Kalinga — The Kalinga Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) will craft a resolution seeking to discourage politicians from distributing firearms during election periods, with Governor James S. Edduba proposing the disqualification of those found engaging in the practice, where legally possible.

The move followed concerns raised during the PPOC meeting on October 26 by Johnny D. Maymaya Sr., former Tinglayan mayor and current chairman of the Kalinga Bodong Council of Elders (KBCE), about politicians allegedly being asked to provide firearms, including high-powered guns, as elections approach.

Maymaya warned that firearms given to individuals could later be used during disputes or tribal conflicts, potentially worsening tensions and threatening peace and order in the province.

“During time of elections, may mga hinihingian ng baril na politician, mga high powered pa…so yun siguro ang request natin sa mga politician,” Maymaya said.

In response, Edduba, who chairs the PPOC, recommended crafting a resolution discouraging politicians from giving firearms anywhere in Kalinga.

“One of our outputs as Provincial Peace and Order Council is to come up with a resolution to discourage politicians from giving firearms anywhere in the province of Kalinga. And if we find out that someone is giving firearms, we will seek their disqualification, if possible,” Edduba said.

The council unanimously approved the proposal to pursue the resolution.

The proposed measure aims to discourage the distribution of firearms during election periods and help prevent the possible misuse of guns that could aggravate local disputes and undermine community safety.

However, the resolution has yet to be drafted and formally issued. Any effort to disqualify politicians would also depend on applicable election laws and the authority of the appropriate government agencies.

The initiative forms part of the provincial government’s efforts to maintain peace and order amid concerns over firearms and their potential role in escalating conflicts in Kalinga.