Quezon voter nabbed for carrying gun inside polling center

INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

LUCENA CITY — A voter carrying a gun was arrested inside a polling center in Pagbilao town in Quezon province during the casting of votes for the barangay election on Monday, Oct. 30, police said.

Police nabbed the suspect, identified as “Joselito,” 62, when he was found carrying a caliber .32 pistol loaded with seven bullets after a commotion around 1:30 p.m. inside an elementary school in Barangay Ibabang Polo.

Before the arrest, a male voter and the suspect had an altercation that led to the discovery of the firearm inside the sling bag of the suspect.

Poll officials sought the attention of policemen assigned at the voting center, who immediately arrested the suspect.

The report did not specify if the suspect has a valid government license for the firearm.

But even with a legally owned gun, the Omnibus Election Code prohibits the unauthorized carrying or transporting of firearms and deadly weapons outside residences, businesses, and public places

The gun ban, which started on Aug. 28, will remain in effect until Nov. 29.

The suspect was detained and is facing criminal charges.

RELATED STORIES

230 nabbed in Calabarzon for gun ban violations

Village councilor in Quezon nabbed for illegal firearms