2 gun ban violators nabbed in Masbate

March 22, 2010

LEGAZPI CITY – As the national and local elections draw nearer, the number of gun ban violators has also been increasing in the areas of immediate concern in Bicol, particularly in Masbate province, said the Philippine National Police (PNP) Bicol.


PNP Task Force Masbate arrested Geronimo Remula I and Geronimo Remula II, both residents of Barangay Tan-awan in Placer town, Masbate, Sunday morning at their residences, said Police Superintendent Eliciar Lanon Bron, Bicol regional police spokesperson, in a statement.


The suspects were apprehended during a search warrant operation issued by Judge Maximo R. Ables of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 54, Gubat Sorsosgon for carrying firearms in public areas.


Bron said the operation was able to confiscate low and high-powered firearms, including two M-16 rifles (SN 207305 and 732070),one .45 cal pistol with serial number CO2669, four long steel magazines for M-16, one short magazine for M-16, a magazine for .45 caliber pistol, eight live ammunitions for .45 cal gun and 132 live ammunitions for M-16 rifle.


Meanwhile, around 101 persons were arrested in the latest count of gun ban violators regionwide. While at least five of them were barangay captains and government officials, Bron disclosed.


Records show that among the six provinces, Masbate takes the highest number of violation with 46 persons arrested, followed by Camarines Sur, 20; Sorsogon, 18; Albay, 9; and Camarines Norte, 7 and; Catanduanes with only one.


“We are going to place some of our personnel both ARMY and the PNP on conceded-election watch list areas when local campaign period starts by March 26,” said Bron, when asked on possible deployment of additional personnel in election hot areas as in Masbate.


He added that in the case of Masbate with 21 recorded pre-election incidents this year, the moment the local campaign period starts, will be the only time for the local officials to determine the additional forces, depending on the contesting political parties.


The gun ban is enforced to prevent proliferation of carrying undocumented firearms and possible dismantling of private-armed groups in preparation for the first poll automation in the country.Johana Vi Gasga/Inquirer Southern Luzon