Two gun ban violators nabbed

MANILA, Philippines — Two individuals were arrested in separate police operations in the cities of Muntinlupa and Parañaque for allegedly violating the gun ban, authorities said yesterday.

In a spot report from the Southern Police District, police said they arrested 35-year-old Benjie Librella while conducting a simultaneous anti-criminality and law enforcement operation Sunday night.

Police said a concerned citizen reported a man who was standing at a dim portion of Phase 4 Block 5 Southville 3, in Barangay Poblacion in Muntinlupa.

Upon verification, they saw Librella and asked to see the documents of his firearm. He was allegedly unable to present any.

Seized from him was a caliber .38 revolver, without a serial number, and loaded with five live ammunition.

In Parañaque City, 28-year-old Romnick Sarmiento was arrested at a Commission on Election (Comelec) checkpoint.

The suspect was flagged at the checkpoint, but he did not heed the officers.

This was when the police blocked the suspect.

Upon asking for the license and registration of Sarmiento, police allegedly saw a firearm in his sling bag, which led to his arrest.

Recovered from Sarmiento was one Llama caliber 9mm Parabellum, one magazine, five 9mm FMJ live ammunition and one motorcycle.

The suspects are facing charges for violation of Republic Act 10591 and Batas Pambansa 881.

The gun ban has been enforced by the Comelec ahead of the national elections in May.