The police arrested an army officer for alleged illegal possession of a firearm and violation of the Commission on Elections’ gun ban together with 14 others who were busted for illegal cockfighting in Taguig on Jan. 15.
According to the Taguig police, their intelligence section received a tip of an ongoing illegal cockfighting on Pres. Quirino Street, Barangay South Signal Village, Taguig.
The police went to the area and arrested 15 individuals identified as Roy Moreno, 45; Jed Jomoc, 34; Julian Bogtong, 37; Jovanni Vibal, 43; Elde Tacocong, 55; Jean Vicente, 26; Rodel Intia, 20; Bonifacio Buena, 43; Ryan Platero, 27; Paul Dinela, 33; Reden Garbin, 29; Teotimo Astronomo, 69; Reynald Esancha, 58; Melencio Abonal, 70; and Francisco Serdan, 38.
During the arrest, the police also recovered a .45 caliber pistol in the sling bag of Serdan, who is an army officer, according to the Southern Police District (SPD) Public Information Office.
The police also recovered from Serdan one magazine of a .45 caliber pistol, four live ammunition for a .45 caliber pistol and one spare magazine for the firearm with three live ammunition.
The Comelec imposed a gun ban from Jan. 9 to June 8 for the May 9 national and local elections. Under its resolution, the prohibited acts during the election period are carrying firearms and deadly weapons outside residence or place of business, and in all public places; engaging the services of security personnel; and transporting firearms and explosives, including its spare parts and components.
Its Committee on the Ban on Firearms and Security Concerns (CBFSC) has the sole and exclusive authority to issue a certificate of authority for the carrying of firearms.
The Comelec issued Resolution 10728 on the rules in carrying firearms during the election period. It quoted Section 261 of Batas Pambansa 881 (Omnibus Election Code), which states that “only regular members of the Philippine National Police, the Armed Forces of the Philippines and other law enforcement agencies of the Government who are duly deputized in writing by the Commission for election duty may be authorized to carry and possess firearms during the election period.”
“Provided, That, when in the possession of firearms, the deputized law enforcement officer must be: (a) in full uniform showing clearly and legibly his name. rank and serial number, which shall remain visible at all times, and (b) in the actual performance of his election duty in the specific area designated by the Commission,” according to the resolution.
The Taguig police also recovered bet money amounting to P3,640 and two fighting cocks.
Cases for violations of Taguig City Ordinance No. 12 (Series of 2020) and Presidential Decree 1602 for illegal gambling (illegal cockfighting) will be charged against the suspects.
Serdan will be charged with violation of Republic Act 10591 (illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition), Omnibus Election Code and PD 1602.
“We can see that not only in establishing Comelec checkpoints where we can catch those who violate the nationwide gun ban, although we are also able to arrest gun ban violators in other police operations. This is through the intensified anti-criminality operations implemented by the SPD,” said SPD director Brig. Gen. Jimili Macaraeg.