9 Rizal jail guards held for gun ban violation

MANILA, Philippines - Nine guards of the provincial jail in Rizal were arrested at a checkpoint Sunday for violating the gun ban imposed by the Commission on Election (Comelec).

The jail guards were in a government van when arrested at past 9 a.m. along NHA Avenue, Bagong Nayon 11 in Barangay San Isidro.

Superintendent Arthur Masungsong, officer-in-charge of the Antipolo City police, identified the jail guards as Ronald Ted Loyola, 52; Reynaldo Cerda, 63; Christopher Rebong, 36; Julius Benico, 34; Raldy Gregorio, 25; Leonardo Mateo, 41, Ascher Maghinang, 26; Noel Cervo, 47, and Clement Bundang, 38.

Police said the jail guards, who were in civilian clothes, failed to show exemption papers from the Comelec for the five short firearms and deadly weapons they were carrying.

The jail guards were reportedly on their way to secure a political rally when they were stopped at the checkpoint. They did not resist arrest, but refused to identify the politician they were out to secure.

The Rizal police intensified checkpoint operations in the province following the shooting of a supporter and the attack on the campaign headquarters of Antipolo City Mayor Nilo Leyble.