Ex-mayor nabbed at a checkpoint over illegal gun

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet --  Former Paracelis town mayor Casiano Dangatan Agagon Jr., is in hot water once again after he was held at a checkpoint for bringing a rifle.

Cordillera police in a report said the former town executive, who was also earlier tagged in a controversial drugs case, was taken for questioning after anti-illegal drugs police operatives in Kalinga in a joint checkpoint with anti-criminality police units flagged down the former town executive on February 20 who was then driving a mini-bus with plate number AVS 497 along the Tabuk City-Paracelis Road.

Policemen noticed the Valmet Model 82 rifle with one magazine loaded with 20 rounds of ammunition inside the bus and when asked, the former town mayor could not show them any license and any permit.

The former town mayor, according to the Kalinga police, is also listed under the province’s drug watch list.

The ex town mayor is now facing a violation of Republic Act 10591 or the "Comprehensive Law on Firearm and Ammunition”.

Meantime, a farmer in Barangay Cabaroan, Tayum town in Abra reportedly surrendered a caliber .38 Smith and Wesson revolver to the Tayum police as a way to support the PNP’s drive against loose firearms last week.

Rolando Tuba-a Siobal of barangay Cabaroan, Tayum, Abra turned in the revolver to the Tayum police, which was thereafter brought to the PNP-Crime Laboratory Service for Ballistics Examination.