Gun ban violator charged in court

A man who was caught with a .38 revolver during the election season was charged for violating the Comelec gun ban before the Regional Trial Court yesterday.

Facing charges is Archie Alferez also known as “Erap” of Candulawan, Talisay City. He was arrested last May 4.

SPO3 Rogelio Cañete said a team of policemen was pursuing a suspected robber along Tres de Abril Street in Barangay Punta Princesa at that time when they received information that the suspected robber was seen in Barangay Candulawan, Talisay City.

There, in Barangay Candulawan, the team chanced upon Alferez who allegedly dropped the revolver he was bringing and ran away when he sensed the policemen in the area.

Alferez was eventually arrested after a chase. Prosecutors yesterday recommended a bail of P10,000 for his temporary liberty.

The nationwide gun ban took effect last January 10 and will last until June 9. The ban is implemented in connection with the recent May 2010 elections.

Members of the Citizens’ Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) have been exempted from the nationwide implementation of the gun ban.

In Resolution 8742, the Commission on Elections decided to allow CAFGU members to carry firearms during the election period since they are members of an auxiliary unit of the military.

The military, for its part, vowed strict compliance with the gun ban, saying violators within its ranks - CAFGUs included - will be dealt with accordingly. —A man who was caught with a .38 revolver during the election season was charged for violating the Comelec gun ban before the Regional Trial Court yesterday.