CAMP KANGLEON, Palo, (PNA) — The arrest of a candidate for barangay chairman in a village in Samar’s Calbayog City increased to 52 the number of persons nabbed for violating gun ban since its implementation on Sept 28, police said Monday.
Police Chief Supt. Elmer R. Soria, PRO 8 director, said one Roberto Habilles, 33, a candidate for barangay chairman of Brgy. Dinagan, Oquendo District was arrested at a Comelec checkpoint in Brgy. Malaga by the Calbayog City Police Station and 2nd Regional Public Safety Maneuver Company.
Confiscated from the suspect were one .45 caliber pistol loaded with 14 ammunitions and two empty magazines for .45 caliber.
He was brought to Calbayog CPS as charges were prepared against him.
To date, PRO 8 had seized 23 firearms — 12 revolvers, four pistols, four improvised guns or “sumpak,” two shotguns and one rifle.
Lawmen also confiscated 33 bladed weapons, one grenade and 103 ammunitions.
Thirty-four violators were arrested during police responses to call for assistance; four at checkpoints and two wanted men nabbed by the police were also carrying firearms at the time of their arrest.
Twelve violators were arrested during police operations.
The ban, which carries a penalty of not less than one year but not more than six years imprisonment which shall not be subject to probation, is being implemented by the police during the election period from Sept. 28 to Nov 12.