3 blue guards nabbed for gun ban breach

By: Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – Three security guards were arrested for violation of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) gun ban and illegal possession of firearms and ammunition at the national highway of Barangay Maytubig, Isabela, Negros Occidental on May 10, 2019.

Police identified the guards as Joemarie Cabansagan, 29; Leodegario Santisteban, 57, both residents of San Carlos City; and Geronico Cabugnason, 29, of Calatrava town.

Police Captain Roger Pama, Isabela town police chief, said they responded to a report that the suspects allegedly prevented motorists from passing by the area since May 8 on orders of the property owner.

The owner claim that the property is private, but the blocking only happened since Wednesday, he added.

Pama said they couldn’t say if the incident was election-related as they are not sure if the owner supports any candidate in the elections or if it was really just for personal reason.

“We will leave it to the Comelec to determine if it has something to do with the election,” he added.

Pama said they conducted an inspection and found out that the guards were assigned to their posts without duty detail order.

They were reportedly illegally recruited through an agency, he added.

Pama said the suspects were also caught in possession of firearms without licenses.

“They have no gun ban exemption, which is a clear violation of the Comelec gun ban and violation of Republic Act 10591 or Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act,” he added.

Police recovered from the guards two 12 gauge shotguns, 10 cartridges of the said firearm, a .38 caliber revolver, five cartridges of .38 caliber, and three Identification cards.

Charges for Comelec gun ban and violation of RA 10591 will be filed against them on Tuesday, May 14.

After the arrest, the area is already passable.