3 barangay execs in Cagayan Valley nabbed for illegal gun possession

Three incumbent barangay officials were arrested in separate police operations in the provinces of Isabela and Quirino ahead of the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections for illegal possession of firearms.

The regional police in Cagayan Valley identified the barangay officials as
Franklin Bulibol, Paquito Balona and Nardo Ballatong.

Bulibol, sitting councilor and candidate for chairman of Barangay Sta. Isabel in Ilagan City in Isabela, was arrested after police seized during a search at his home an M14 rifle, two shotguns and over 100 live bullets.

Balona, incumbent chairman of Barangay Ifugao Village in Diffun, Quirino and barangay councilman Ballaton were also arrested for possession of firearms.

Balona yielded one .45 pistol with three bullets while Ballatong yielded a .22 rifle.

The regional police said the three barangay officials are facing complaints for violation of Republic Act 10591 in relation to the Omnibus Election Code. —Flor Taguinod/ALG, GMA News