Cops nab motorcycle rider in Pasig on first day of Comelec gun ban
FILE PHOTO: Police officers at a Comelec checkpoint, which are set up to implement the poll body’s gun ban and enforce stricter security during the election period, in this file photo taken on April 4, 2022. INQUIRER file photo / NINO JESUS ORBETA
MANILA, Philippines — A motorcycle rider was arrested in Pasig City on the first day of the gun ban period for the 2023 barangay and sangguniang kabataan elections, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Monday.
In a police report, the PNP said that personnel of the Pasig Police Station arrested a certain Shem Ismael, 25 years old, at 12:50 p.m. along Avis St., Barangay Bagong Ilog, Pasig City.
According to the PNP, the suspect sped off upon approaching a Commission on Elections (Comelec) checkpoint where he was flagged down by police officers for a routine check.
Police then chased the suspect, until he stopped and submitted himself for verification. It was then that he was discovered to be carrying a Smith and Wesson revolver with a wooden handle, loaded with four rounds of live cal. 38 ammunition inserted in its cylinder. The gun was concealed inside his black sling bag.
The suspect also failed to present proof of authority to possess the firearm.
Article continues after this advertisementArresting officers said the suspect also resisted arrest and even tried to escape handcuffing but officers were able to subdue him.
Article continues after this advertisementCases for Violation of Republic Act No. 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act in relation to the Omnibus Election Code and Resistance and Disobedience are being prepared against the suspect.
The gun ban period began on August 28 and will be in effect until November 28.
Under the ban, Comelec prohibits the unauthorized bearing, carrying, or transporting of firearms and deadly weapons outside residences, businesses, and public places, based on the poll body’s Resolution No. 10918.
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