CAMP OLIVAS — Four active-duty soldiers were arrested on Tuesday afternoon (April 8) in San Simon, Pampanga, for violating Republic Act No. 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, in connection with the nationwide gun ban currently enforced under the Omnibus Election Code.
Based on the report to Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo, PRO regional director, at around 2:40 p.m., personnel from the San Simon Municipal Police Station acted on a report from a concerned citizen identified as “Mark,” a 39-year-old driver and resident of Barangay San Agustin.
“He reported that a silver Toyota Innova had been suspiciously following his vehicle between San Simon and Valenzuela City over the past five days. The same vehicle was also sighted near Global Aseana Business Park 1 in Barangay San Isidro, San Simon,” Fajardo said.
Responding officers located the vehicle at a gasoline station. As they approached and introduced themselves, one of the suspects drew a firearm and attempted to flee. Police were forced to shoot the vehicle’s tire to prevent escape. Despite this, the suspects briefly evaded arrest but were eventually intercepted and captured along Quezon Road in Barangay San Isidro.
One of the suspects sustained a gunshot wound to the neck and was promptly brought to a nearby hospital for medical attention.
Seized from the suspects were the following: one Glock 17 (9mm) pistol with serial number AFP034202, with magazine and 2 rounds of ammunition; 1 Armscor RIA (Cal. 45) pistol with serial number 037124AFP, with magazine and 7 rounds of ammunition; a silver Toyota Innova; 4 wallets; 3 bags; 4 Kenwood two-way radios; a Nikon video camera; Teclast power bank; 4 driver’s licenses; 4 AFP IDs; 2 Glock 17 magazines with 2 rounds of ammunition; and, 3 RIA Cal. 45 magazines with a total of 22 rounds of ammunition
Fajardo, lauded the swift and decisive action of the San Simon police and reaffirmed the PNP’s zero-tolerance stance against violations of the election-related gun ban.
“The gun ban is in full force and applies to everyone—regardless of position, rank, or affiliation. Uniformed personnel are not exempt. We will not allow anyone to compromise public safety, especially during the election period,” PBGEN Fajardo said.
The arrested individuals will face appropriate criminal charges. An investigation is ongoing to uncover the full scope of their actions and any potential links to other criminal activities.
PRO3 encourages the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity, as the PNP continues to strengthen its efforts in safeguarding communities and ensuring a peaceful and orderly election season. (UnliNews Online)
