MANILA, (PNA) — Two suspected taxi robbers in Parañaque City were nabbed for violating the Commission on Elections (Comelec) gun ban for the Oct. 28 barangay elections.
Now facing charges of illegal possession of explosives and weapons and robbery — along with violating the gun ban — are Mark Nelson Dela Cruz, 30, and Florencio Aquino, 35.
Initial investigation showed the two flagged down a taxi at Sucat in Parañaque City but immediately declared a holdup as the cab cruises along Andrews Avenue.
The driver not losing his presence of mind promptly sought assistance when he chanced upon a checkpoint.
Recovered from the two suspects were a grenade and an icepick, as well as the taxi driver’s P1,000 earnings.
Earlier, Commission on Elections Chairman Sixto Brillantes Jr. personally went around Metro Manila to inspect the checkpoints enforcing a 45-day gun ban for the Oct. 28 barangay elections.
With him was National Capital Region Police Office head director Chief Supt. Marcelo Garbo, Jr.
The checkpoints are in effect until Nov. 12. Only police and military personnel in uniform and on duty are allowed to carry firearms outside their residence.