3 nabbed for guns, 2 for drugs in Calabarzon

CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna, Philippines – Five persons were arrested for possession of illegal drugs and firearms in Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon) yesterday, the second day of the implementation of the nationwide gun ban imposed by the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

Filipino-Chinese Ranilo Co, 35, and his companion Ma. Cristina Aban, 29, were arrested in Lipa City, Batangas for alleged possession of drugs, according to Calabarzon police spokesperson Superintendent Chitadel Gaoiran.

Also in Batangas, 42-year-old Frederick Escaño and tricycle driver Ruel Malapitan were arrested for illegal possession of firearms in Balayan town.

Escaño and Malapitan yielded .22 and .38 caliber revolvers, respectively.

In Rizal, Valentino Alinday was collared at a checkpoint in Barangay Mambugan, Antipolo City for alleged possession of a .45 caliber pistol.

Calabarzon police director Chief Superintendent Richard Albano said there were 112 Comelec checkpoints established in the region to ensure that the gun ban is properly implemented.