Abra pols surrender guns

Bangued , Philippines – Politicians in Abra have turned in six licensed guns in the second wave of temporary surrender of license firearms ahead of the 2013 elections.

Lacub town Mayor Estelita Bersamina turned in two AKKAR 12-gauge shotguns; Pilar Mayor Jaja Disono, a caliber .30 M2 carbine; Tubo  Mayor Wilma Gattud, an AKKAR 12-gauge shotgun; Danglas  Mayor Esther Bernos, a caliber .45 pistol; and chairman Victor Escalante of Barangay Velasco in Tayum town village, a .22 homemade pistol with one magazine.

Bangued Mayor Ryan Luna also surrendered an active and four “potential” members of a private armed group known as the “Vincent Guzman group,” said to be the only existing PAG in the province. 

“It is a breakthrough in our efforts to ensure the holding of secure elections in Abra and the province from being included in the priority areas to be placed under the control of the Comelec,” Cordillera police director Chief Superintendent Benjamin Magalong said.

At least 38 licensed firearms were earlier turned over by Abra Gov. Eustaquio Bersamin, La Paz Mayor Joseph Bernos and other mayors in a bid to curb violence in preparation for the elections.

The firearms will be returned to the owners after the elections.