Baker gets 2 years for gun possession

CEBU, Philippines - A baker was the first gun ban violator to be convicted in Cebu City after he pleaded guilty to the crime.

Argie Arceda was sentenced up to two years imprisonment for violation of Section 261 of Presidential Decree 881 in relation to the Commission on Elections Resolution 8714, otherwise known as the Comelec Gun Ban in connection with the upcoming May 10 elections.

Regional Trial Court Branch 17 Judge Silvestre Maamo Jr. handed down the verdict last Wednesday following Arcedo’s guilty plea during his arraignment.

Maamo also ordered to strip Arceda of his political rights to vote in the coming elections.

Arceda was arrested last February 9 at the pier area while heading for Iligan City when a caliber .38 revolver was found in his luggage.

He was inside the passenger terminal when the x-ray machine operator spotted the gun stashed inside a motorcycle tire together with his luggage.

He was the 8th gun ban violator to be charged in court in the city since the gun ban took effect on January 10.

As of February 14, records at the RTC criminal division showed that other gun ban violators facing trial are Charlon Orsajes, Ricky Abarca, Jun Rey Cornesio, Nicomedez Tabar, Dante Baring, James Russel Gimena and Virgilio Neri Taboada. — Fred P. Languido/LPM   (FREEMAN NEWS)