4 village execs nabbed for quarantine violation

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, Philippines — A barangay captain and his three councilmen were among seven persons arrested for allegedly violating quarantine rules in this town on Sunday.

Aside from allegedly engaging in a drinking spree, village chief Benjie Mararac, 49, of Barangay Dulag, and councilmen Jerwin Canilang, 42; Arthur Rosario, 41, and Edzel Mararac, 39, were reportedly involved in indiscriminate firing.

Police also arrested village watchmen Jaime Ferrer, 65, and Ruben Mangiralas, 56, and Harold Calingasin, 45.

A resident informed police that the suspects were having a drinking spree at the barangay hall.

Responding police officers recovered six bottles of liquor at the scene and a pistol from Mararac, who presented a permit to own a firearm and the gun’s license.

Police said they have yet to verify the permit to carry a firearm outside residence presented by Mararac.