3 nabbed for violating election-related gun ban

MANILA, Philippines - Three men were arrested in separate incidents in Quezon City for violating the Commission on Elections gun ban still in effect nationwide. The gun ban officially began last Jan. 10 and ends on June 9 to cover the election period. Quezon City Police District director Chief Superintendent Benjardi Mantele identified the suspects as Rengie Agustin, 21 and his 16-year old companion, both of San Pedro Baba, Barangay Damayan, and Joel Sanchez, 26, of Barangay Tatalon, Quezon City.

Masambong police station commander Superintendent Osmundo De Guzman said Agustin and the 16-year-old boy were arrested by Chief Inspector Raad Lapura and PO1 Apolinar Duro at about 4:30 a.m. Saturday when they noticed a gun tucked in Agustin’s waistband.

The suspects sped off on a motorcycle when they sensed the policemen about to approach them. Agustin threw the gun but lost control of the motorcycle, hitting a center island.

Meanwhile, PO2 Sherween De Vera and PO1 Glenn Radam of the Galas police station and barangay tanods responded to a street brawl on Araneta Avenue and arrested Sanchez at about 11:45 p.m. last Friday.

Police recovered a fan knife and ammunition for a 12-gauge shotgun from Sanchez.