Two suspected goons arrested

CEBU, Philippines - Two suspected guns-for-hire which could be used by politicians in the upcoming elections were arrested in Daanbantayan last Monday.

Henry Pepito, 29, of Basak, Mandaue City and Hervin Martinez, 51, of Barangay Buenavista, Tandag, Surigao del Sur were arrested while having a drinking session Monday evening in Barangay Pajo, Daanbantayan.

Pepito was found in possession of a.38 revolver while Martinez was in possession of a caliber .45 pistol.

The police were tipped of the presence of the suspects by a concerned citizen. The suspects will be charged with illegal possession of firearms and violation of the Comelec gun ban.

Cebu Provincial Police Office director Patrocinio Comendador refused to confirm that the suspects are guns-for-hire pending investigation. But he admitted the possibility that they could be working for politicians.

“In politics everything can happen especially init ang politika ani nga lugar,” Comendador said.

Meanwhile, Police Regional Office 7 director Marcelo Garbo, Jr. assured the security of the elections in Central Visayas.

As early as now, Garbo said they have been preparing for their security measures and has briefed Commission on Election (Comelec) 7 director Atty. Temie Lambino about it during their joint meeting last Tuesday.

“I directed all provincial and city directors to present their security preparations in three aspects: for the VIPs and candidates, the polling centers, and the machines and other paraphernalia that will be used in the elections,” said Garbo.

The police are also set to undergo a seminar/workshop with the Comelec on what are the things to be secured during the elections. —/FPL (FREEMAN)