Pasig cops nab man with firearm at Comelec checkpoint
A man possessing a firearm was arrested by police at a Commission on Elections (Comelec) checkpoint in Pasig City on the first day of the nationwide gun ban on Monday, Aug. 28, for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) period.
Pasig Police Chief Col. Celerino Sacro Jr. identified the suspect as “Shem Ismael,” 25.
He was nabbed at around 12:50 p.m. at the Comelec checkpoint along Avis Street in Barangay Bagong Ilog.
Investigation showed that police personnel from Subsubstation 2, led by commander Cpt. Jazon Lovendino, flagged down Ismael, who was aboard a motorcycle with a 16-year-old female companion.
However, the suspect reportedly sped off and evaded the checkpoint, prompting a brief chase between him and the police.
After he was caught, he failed to present a driver’s license and motor vehicle registration.
Moreover, the interrogation officer reportedly saw the “wooden handle of a revolver” in the suspect’s sling bag, leading to his arrest.
The suspect allegedly became “aggressive” when he resisted arrest and tried to escape. He sustained an abrasion wound on his hand during the altercation, read the report.
Police were able to recover the silver Smith and Wesson revolver, loaded with four rounds of live cal. 38 ammunition, after subduing the suspect.
The suspect also did not have legal documents for the confiscated firearm.
He is currently detained at the Pasig custodial facility, facing charges for resistance and disobedience, and violation of Republic Act No. 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act) in relation to the Omnibus Election Code.
Pasig Chief Sacro reminded personnel about the Comelec guidelines to ensure a “safe and orderly BSKE 2023.”
The Comelec gun ban will be in effect from Aug. 28 to Nov. 29.