Abra mayor's bodyguard nabbed for firing gun

MANILA, Philippines - A drunken bodyguard of a town mayor in Abra was arrested Monday for indiscriminately firing his gun.

Senior Superintendent Ale Pumecha, Cordillera police intelligence chief said they are preparing violation of the gun ban charges against Bubot Ybañez, who yielded a 9mm caliber Pietro automatic pistol.

Pumecha said Ybañez is a bodyguard of Mayor Do-minic Valera, of Bangued, the capital town of Abra.

He said Ybañez fired his gun five times in the air in Gallera, Barangay Agtangao in Bangued town at about 10:10 p.m.

Angry residents summoned elements of the Special Action Force (SAF), the fighting unit of the Philippine National Police, who were patrolling the area and have Ybañez arrested.

Ybañez was still reeking of liquor when cornered by SAF contingents inside a Delica van (RAV 384). He did not resist arrest.

The PNP has been implementing the gun ban since the start of the election period on Jan. 10.

As of March 25, a total of 1,634 persons were arrested for violation of the gun ban.   – Non Alquitran