Lanao del Norte mayor, 4 escorts held for guns

MANILA, Philippines - A mayor in Lanao del Norte and his four escorts were arrested for illegal possession of firearms in Ozamiz City yesterday.

Kalambugan Mayor Lorenzo Manigos had just arrived at the Ozamiz port in Barangay Baybay Triunfo at around 7:30 a.m. when police stopped his escorts  to check the firearms they were carrying.

Chief Superintendent Timoteo Pacleb, Northern Mindanao police director, said the two 9mm and two .45-caliber pistols that Manigos’ escorts were carrying have expired licenses.

Pacleb said two hand grenades were also recovered from Manigos’ security aides identified as  Dicky Bantilan, Mario Dayaman, Nestor Gabrinez and Nel Agapia.

Manigos and his aides face charges for violation of Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition.