Gun ban violator nabbed

Ignorance of the law excuses no one.

A tricycle driver carrying a homemade pistol was arrested for violating a Malacañang-imposed gun ban at a police checkpoint in Tondo Wednesday night.

Police identified the suspect as Ruel Deldio, 25, a resident of Little Tagaytay, Marulas, Valenzuela City.

Deldio claimed he was not aware of the gun ban. He will be charged with illegal possession of firearms.

He told investigators that he brought the gun to defend himself from his enemies. Police seized a homemade caliber .22 pistol from Deldio during an inspection conducted at around 10:30 p.m. at the corner of Tayuman and Jose Abad Santos streets in Tondo.

Deldio was on board a passenger jeepney heading for Monumento when the vehicle was stopped by police officers.

Officers manning the chekpoint said no ammunition was found on Deldio, who turned out to be a member of the Sputnik Gang. He admitted to have spent time in jail some years back for drug use. – Cecille Suerte Felipe