Laoag mayor surrenders guns to police

LAOAG CITY, Philippines – The mayor of Marcos town in this province, whose house was among those recently searched by police, has turned over three high-powered firearms to the police for safekeeping.

Senior Superintendent Gerardo Ratuita, Ilocos Norte police director, yesterday said Mayor Salvador Pillos surrendered two shotguns and an AK-47 rifle.

The three guns and eight others found in the mayor’s house were all licensed.

Ratuita said Pillos was allowed to keep the eight guns for his protection.

The house of Pillos’ opponent, Arsenio Agustin, was also searched and police found two licensed firearms.

Marcos town was tagged as an area of concern in the elections.

Mayoral candidate Alfredo Arce was gunned down on Feb. 23 in Barangay Fortuna.

Pillos survived a slay attempt last Feb.  4.  He was shot while inspecting a local project.