CAMP CARLOS DELGADO, CATARMAN, Northern Samar – Two days after election period was set, Allen Municipal Police Station (MPS) cops apprehended a violator of the gun ban imposed by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) on January 15, 2019 at Allen town.
To support the initial report forwarded to this office, Police Chief Inspector Antonio Montaño, OIC of Allen MPS averred that the suspect identified as Johnson Lascano y Salazar, 29 years old, married, driver and resident of Brgy. Jubasan of said town was accosted while they were establishing Comelec checkpoint at 7:30 o’clock in the evening in consonance with the election period.
He added that Lascano, while driving a Ford pick-up, color black with no plate number from Brgy. Jubasan bound to Allen proper was stopped when he blatantly ignored the initial signage to slow down as checkpoint was ahead.
When approached and asked why he ignored the checkpoint, he was seemingly calling his alleged employer while confusedly holding a black bag.
Looking suspiciously, he was politely asked by PO2 Felix Labajo to show what is inside his bag and they found out that the suspect was carrying an unlicensed caliber 45 firearm.
Subsequently, suspect was apprised of his rights and brought to the municipal police station.
Suspect has undergone inquest proceeding for violation of R. A 10591 in relation to Omnibus Election Code.
Progress report disclosed that accused waived his rights under Art. 125 of Revised Penal Code and availed of the preliminary investigation while Prosecutor Rico Leo Sacaben recommended his bail amounting to P 120,000.
Meanwhile, PS/Supt. Reynaldo B. de la Cruz reiterated that election period has set in already and it shall last until June 12, 2019, and checkpoints are established all over the nation, so anyone that will be caught carrying unauthorized firearms and other deadly weapons will be charged for violation of election laws. He encouraged all the motorist to bear with the police during checkpoints.
Feel free to contact us at the following contact number and social media accounts: Provincial Police Community Relation Branch hotline number: 09065993368 or email us at our gmail account-nsppopcrb@gmail.com; Facebook Page-NsppoNorthsamar ; Webpage at nsppo.pro8.pnp.gov.ph for more details.
(PO3 GERALDINE S. CASTILLO/PR)
