Kagawad caught with gun during food fest

By: Jennifer P. Rendon

A barangay kagawad (village councilman) was arrested after an unlicensed gun was seized from his possession.

Jemer Lamera, 39, barangay kagawad is Poblacion C, Dueñas, Iloilo was attending a food festival at the nearby Poblacion D when he was collared evening of Dec. 19, 2019.

Police Major Gilbert Baldevarona, Dueñas police chief, said they received information about a person who was allegedly brandishing a firearm while drinking liquor.

“We saw a gun protruding from his waistline. It’s as if he was intentionally showing it,” Baldevarona said.

A caliber .45 pistol with six ammunition was seized from his possession.

Baldevarona said the suspect allegedly kept the gun for self defense.

The local police said Lamera had no previous criminal offense.

The suspect is now detained and will be charged for violation of Republic Act 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulations Act).