UNA man arrested for carrying high-powered firearms without licenses

INQUIRER file photo

COTABATO CITY, Philippines — Police and Army forces arrested Monday afternoon a Maguindanao mayoral aspirant and campaigner of the United Nationalist Alliance in last May’s national and local elections for possession of assorted high powered firearms, police said.

Senior Superintendent Rodelio Jocson, Maguindanao police director, said Hyman Salendab and his companions Togan Salipada Montawal and Tapio Sabang Salendab were arrested after they failed to present legal documents for a 9 millimeter KG9 machine pistol, a customized STI .45 caliber pistol, and a Colt M16 5.56 assault rifle and hundreds of ammunition.

Police and elements of the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade have put up checkpoints along Maguindanao highway due to rash of bombings and attacks against government forces.

Police also arrested Salendab’s motorcycle-riding companions identified as Efren Banlco Tee and Edwin Suganob Palmera who were carrying a cal. 45 pistol and dozens of ammunition.

Jocson said charges of illegal possession of firearms would be filed against the suspects.

Salendab ran and lost in the mayoralty race of Buluan, Maguindanao last May polls.