MAYOR, 3 BODYGUARDS ARRESTED FOR GUN BAN VIOLATION

THE mayor of Nabalawag, Cotabato and three of his bodyguards on Tuesday were arrested for violating the prohibition on the unauthorized carrying of firearms and other deadly weapons.

Arrested by officers manning the Task Force Davao checkpoint in Sirawan, Toril district in Davao City 10 p.m. Tuesday were Mayor Anwar Saluwang, 49; and his bodyguards Maroufh Usop, 30; Prangco Paglas, 33; and Samsudin Kabagani, 39; who also acts as a driver.

The four were in a silver gray Mitsubishi Triton pick-up when they were flagged down for a mandatory inspection.

While conducting a visual inspection of the vehicle and its occupants, a police corporal and a militiaman saw in plain view the exposed handle grip of a firearm at the left side of Kabagani while another firearm was spotted lying at the floor matting of the vehicle, placed between the foot of a passenger who was later identified as Mayor Saluwang.

The two other occupants of the vehicle were each found in possession of a loaded magazine.

Officers manning the checkpoint immediately placed the mayor and his bodyguards under arrest after being apprised of their constitutional rights.

The arrested mayor and his men will be facing criminal charges for violation of Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulations Act of 2013 in relation to the Omnibus Election Code of the Philippines, particularly violation of the gun ban.