6 nabbed for gun, weapons ban violations

MANILA, Philippines — Six persons were arrested in Iloilo, Negros Occidental and Camarines Sur over the weekend for violating the Commission on Elections (Comelec) ban on illegal possession of firearms and deadly weapons.

Chief Inspector Joem Magalong, Western Visayas police spokesman, said three were arrested in Iloilo and two in Negros Occidental.

Magalong said they also sent a list of areas considered as possible hot spots in the May 14 barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections to the  Comelec regional office.

Fernando Valera, 46, was arrested at a Comelec checkpoint in  Barangay San Roque Poblacion, Bula, Camarines Sur after a knife was found in the cable brake of his motorcycle.

Under Comelec Resolution 10246, it is illegal to carry or transport firearms and other deadly weapons in public places during the election period unless authorized by the poll body. The issuance of firearms licenses shall also be suspended.

The Comelec set the election period from April 14 to May 21. – With Cet Dematera