Abra checkpoint shootout: Town vice mayor faces raps

MANILA, Philippines — Police are eyeing the filing of criminal charges against Vice Mayor Jaja Josefina Disono of Pilar, Abra and her companions in connection with an alleged shootout at a police checkpoint on Tuesday.

Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo noted that the firearm of Disono’s bodyguard, who was killed in the shootout, was registered under the vice mayor’s name.

While Disono has a license to own and possess a firearm, Fajardo said the election gun ban is in effect.

Fajardo said the PNP is also looking into Disono’s administrative liability for hiring security agents without authority from the Commission on Elections.

Cordillera police director Brig. Gen. Ronald Lee said a shootout occurred after Disono’s Toyota Hi-Ace van drove past a checkpoint in Barangay Poblacion.

Fajardo said two policemen were injured after they were hit by Disono’s vehicle.

Disono’s group claimed they were ”ambushed” and refused to turn over her companions who were involved in the shootout.

“Hopefully, magkakaroon ng positive end,” Fajardo said, citing negotiations.