Mindanao mayor, 3 bodyguards arrested for gun ban violation
DAVAO City policemen enforcing the Comelec-imposed gun ban late Tuesday night arrested the mayor of Nabalawag, Cotabato and three of his bodyguards for violating the prohibition on the unauthorized carrying of firearms and other deadly weapons, Police Regional Office 11 director Brig. Gen. Leon Victor Z. Rosete said yesterday.
Arrested by officers manning the Task Force Davao checkpoint in Sirawan, Toril district in Davao City 10 p.m. Tuesday were Mayor Anwar Saluwang, 49; and his bodyguards Maroufh Usop, 30; Prangco Paglas, 33; and Samsudin Kabagani, 39; who also acts as a driver of the local government official.
Rosete, citing a report from Davao City Police Office chief Col. Hansel M. Marantan said the four were on board a silver gray Mitsubishi Triton pick-up when they were flagged down for a mandatory inspection.
While conducting a visual inspection of the vehicle and its occupants, a police corporal and a militiaman saw in plain view the exposed handle grip of a firearm at the left side of Kabagani while another firearm was spotted lying at the floor matting of the vehicle, placed between the foot of a passenger who was later identified as Mayor Saluwang.
The two other occupants of the vehicle were each found in possession of a loaded magazine.
As a result, the four were immediately placed under arrest after being apprised of their constitutional rights.
The accused will be facing criminal charges for violation of Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulations Act of 2013 in relation to the Omnibus Election Code of the Philippines particularly violation of the gunban.
Philippine National Police chief General Rommel Francisco D. Marbil earlier ordered the strict enforcement of the nationwide gun ban which, since last January 12 had already resulted in the apprehension of nearly 300 violators.
Comelec spokesperson attorney John Rex Laudiangco said the poll body has directed the police force to go after violators of the gun ban regardless of their rank, affiliation or stature in the society.
The Comelec official told newsmen at Camp Crame that once found guilty by the court, violators of the gun ban faces the penalty of 1-year up to 6-years in prison and if he is a public official, will be perpetually disqualified from holding office.
