BACOLOD CITY, (PNA) – Eighteen violators of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) gun ban have been rounded up so far by the police in Negros Occidental.
The latest arrest on Monday involved two Army soldiers in Sagay City, who were carrying an M-16 assault rifle and a .45 caliber pistol while in civilian clothes and under the influence of liquor.
“No one is above the law,” said Senior Supt. Milko Lirazan, director of Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office, on the arrest of the two soldiers.
Private First Class Romeo Sonio and Staff Sgt. Rene Purog, both troopers of the 62nd Infantry Battalion, were detained at the Sagay City Police Station jail.
The two soldiers were temporarily assigned at the Lopez Sugar Corp. in Barangay Paraiso, Sagay City.
Since the start of the election period on Sept. 28, the 18 arrests yielded 14 firearms, a hand grenade, three airsoft rifles and two bladed weapon, Lirazan said.
Lt. Col. Efren Morados, commander of the 62nd IB, said the two soldiers will face administrative charges for grave misconduct before a military court.
They will also be charged with violation of the COMELEC gun ban before the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office.