3 held for gun ban violation

CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga, Philippines — Three persons were arrested on the first day of the implementation of a gun ban imposed by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) for the upcoming barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections.

Among those arrested yesterday were two men in Bataan and another in Cavite.

Rocky Collado and Paul Ivan Brent de Leon of Morong and Dinalupihan, Bataan, respectively, were on motorcycles when they were pulled over at separate checkpoints, according to Brig. Gen. Jose Hidalgo Jr., Central Luzon police director.

Police said they seized from Collado an improvised handgun, ammunition for a shotgun and plastic sachets allegedly containing shabu.

De Leon was reportedly found in possession of a loaded revolver.

The Central Luzon police set up 146 checkpoints manned by 1,200 police personnel beginning yesterday.

Meanwhile, in Cavite, police arrested Melquiades Quieta, 51, at a checkpoint in Trece Martires for carrying a pistol.

Quieta, who reportedly works as a bodyguard, was turned over to the local police for proper disposition.

The Comelec prohibits carrying and transport of firearms, explosives and other deadly weapons from Aug. 28 to Nov. 29.

If found guilty, violators will be sentenced to up to 12 years in prison.