Zamboanga del Sur councilor held for gun ban violation

COTABATO CITY, Philippines — A municipal councilor in Zamboanga del Sur has landed in jail for carrying a firearm outside his residence in violation of the election gun ban imposed by the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

Jovert Dahunan of the Kumalarang town council was apprehended at a police checkpoint on Monday night.

The police and Comelec are preparing the charges to be filed against the councilor.

Eleven other persons were arrested across the country for violating the gun ban on Sunday, the Philippine National Police (PNP) reported yesterday.

Among those arrested were Felix Dacula, 24, for carrying a .38-caliber revolver in Barangay San Isidro in Parañaque City; Joem Oliva, 38, who was caught with a .45-caliber pistol in Barangay Calipat-an in San Jacinto, Masbate; Raul Sinambong, 46, who yielded a caliber .357 revolver in Barangay Poblacion in Merida, Leyte, and Federico Bolangaita, 32, for possession of a caliber .45 handgun in Barangay Poblacion Mother in Cotabato City.

PNP chief Gen. Dionardo Carlos reminded police personnel to always bring their identification cards and certificates of exemption from the gun ban issued by the Comelec.

Carlos said police officers on intelligence-driven and anti-drug operations are authorized to bear firearms even while wearing civilian clothes.

In Central Visayas, no one was arrested for violation of the election gun ban on Sunday and Monday.

Central Visayas police director Brig. Gen. Roque Eduardo Vega said they are grateful for the cooperation of the public and personnel manning the checkpoints.

”It was successful,” he said.

Citing Comelec Resolution 10728, the PNP said permits to carry firearms outside of residence as well as transport of firearms, ammunition and explosives, firearms display and exhibits, and hiring of security personnel for VIPs are suspended during the election period.

Violators face imprisonment of up to six years and are not eligible for probation.

They also face disqualification from holding public office and from securing a gun license aside from losing their right to suffrage.

The police said it would intensify law enforcement operations against loose firearms, deadly weapons, unauthorized security personnel, private armed groups, wanted persons and other criminals to ensure the holding of peaceful and orderly elections. – Emmanuel Tupas, Iris Hazel Mascardo/The Freeman