Rider is newest Comelec gun ban violator

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Another rider was arrested for violating the Commission on Elections (Comelec) gun ban morning of September 1 in Janiuay, Iloilo.

Thirty-year-old Marcial Brasileño, who claims to be a member of the Guardian Brotherhood Inc., was arrested at a checkpoint at Barangay Caraudan, Janiuay where he also resides.

The suspect was driving his motorcycle but acted tentatively when he saw a checkpoint manned by the 603rd Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RFMB) 6.

Major Norbert Sipole, 603rd Company commander, said the suspect maneuvered back.

“But we have placed a spotter and security before and after the checkpoint. So, one of our personnel told him to go back and pass through the checkpoint,” he said.

When he was subsequently asked why he turned back, “nag-ako sya dayon nga may pusil sya,” Sipole said.

When the suspect was frisked, police recovered a caliber .45 Taurus pistol with a magazine loaded with eight ammunition inside his sling bag.

Brasileño failed to present a firearm license or a Comelec gun ban exemption.

Sipole said that the suspect was aware of the ongoing Comelec gun ban but claimed he was carrying a firearm for protection.

Brasileño could not provide any answer when asked why he needed protection.

He is now detained and will be charged for violation of Republic Act 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act) and Comelec Resolution No. 10918, which prohibits the bearing, carrying, or transporting firearms and other deadly weapons outside residence.