Ex-cop caught with 15 guns charged

MANILA, Philippines — A complaint for violation of the election gun ban was filed on Wednesday against a retired police officer, who was arrested for possession of 15 firearms at Camp Crame in Quezon City.

The suspect underwent inquest proceedings before the Quezon City prosecutor’s office, according to Col. Joshua Alejandro, who heads the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group’s anti-organized crime unit.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has imposed a gun ban as part of security measures for the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections on Oct. 30.

Police officials remain mum on the suspect’s identity, who is said to be connected with a security agency.

Investigation showed that the former policeman was supposed to surrender the guns – 11 pistols and four shotguns – to the Firearms and Explosives Office for safekeeping.

While the firearms were registered to the security agency and had the necessary permits, police said the suspect did not secure a certificate of exemption from the Comelec to carry the weapons in public places.

In Makati, police arrested a security guard for violating the gun ban.

Kier Jonas Sasapan, 32, was nabbed in Barangay Comembo on Sept. 19.

Police said they received a complaint that Sasapan reportedly drew his firearm during a drinking binge.

The complainant alleged that Sasapan pulled out a gun tucked in his waist and pointed it toward the victim.

The suspect was taken into police custody. He yielded a replica gun, which he used in threatening the victim.

Sasapan is facing charges for violating the Omnibus Election Code. – Nillicent Bautista