PNP eyes possible poll gun ban rap vs. Pilar, Abra vice mayor

The Philippine National Police said Wednesday that a complaint for violation of the election gun ban may be filed against Pilar, Abra Vice Mayor Jaja Josefina Disono after a shooting incident on Tuesday.

At a press conference, PNP spokesperson Police Colonel Jean Fajardo said a 9mm pistol was recovered from the vehicle involved in the shooting incident, adding that the firearm was registered under Disono.

“While it is true that baril ay may lisensya (the gun has license), she has the license to open and possess firearms outside of residence, but during election period all LTOP [Licenses To Own and Possess Firearms] are suspended," Fajardo pointed out.

“These are the possible cases that will be filled. I don't want to preempt the ongoing investigation, but definitely that is one of the actions that will be undertaken by the Abra Provincial Police Office,” she said.

According to Fajardo, administrative complaints may also be filed against Disono.

Moreover, Fajardo said, Disono has no exemption from the ban on guns and security details for the election period.

On Tuesday, a bodyguard of Disono was killed in a shooting incident local officials claimed as an ambush, and the police described as an armed encounter.

Fajardo said the bodyguard was a former Marine.

Police report showed the incident took place in Barangay Poblacion at 10:30 a.m. when a Toyota Hiace, Disono’s convoy, ignored the checkpoint after being flagged down by the police.

Police said two personnel of its Regional Mobile Force Battalion 15, who served as rear security, were allegedly bumped by the vehicle.

According to the report, a police mobile pursued the fleeing Toyota Hiace and its occupants allegedly fired at the police vehicle.

Vice Mayor Dinoso has yet respond to GMA News for her comment on the incident.  —LBG, GMA News