PNP Samar checkpoints yield colt rifle and bladed weapons

By NINFA B. QUIRANTE
October 9, 2010

CATBALOGAN, Samar  –  As the checkpoints of Samar Philippine National Police started flagging down suspicious characters, they were able to apprehend one suspect with firearm while two suspects yielded bladed weapons.

In an interview with PNP Samar, the operations division bared that since the start of the gun ban, only one suspect from Barangay Bahay, Sta Margarita identified as Emilio Casaljay yielded one colt ER-15 rifle with four pieces long magazines and three short, the rifle was loaded with seven magazines. Charges for violation of RA 8294 has been lodged against the suspect who is now at the Sta. Margarita lock up cell.

Meanwhile, two suspects have been accosted and have yielded bladed weapons. From Barangay Tinabanan, Marabut, suspect Jayson Cabasio yielded a bladed weapon (balisong)19 cm long. Appropriate charges have been filed and suspect is now at the Marabut PNP station.

Another suspected violator of the gun ban is identified as Efren Mabansag from San Bartolome, Barangay 6, Catbalogan, Samar. His case is for filing according to Samar PPO.

Culled from the police national headquarters is the statement of PNP Chief Raul Bacalzo who said:

“In May, we elected our national and local leaders in what can be regarded as the most orderly and peaceful elections ever in the history of Philippine politics. Thru the formidable partnership of the police and military institutions, we were able to effectively check any outbreak of political violence by waging a nationwide campaign against loose firearms, partisan armed groups, and election law violators.

“This time as we look ahead to another electoral exercise for Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan officials, we are mobilizing again the combined might of the PNP and AFP to safeguard this electoral process and uphold the will of the sovereign electorate in the forthcoming synchronized Barangay and SK polls in October 25.

“To ensure smooth and coordinated action in implementing election security functions, the AFP Chief of Staff, General Ricardo David and myself signed the PNP-AFP Joint Letter Directive to define our respective roles in this 45-day election security operations that takes effect at midnight until November 10, 2010. “