Former solon accuses mayor of giving guns

By Mar T. Supnad

VIGAN, Ilocos Sur -- A former lawmaker and municipal candidate has accused his political opponent of distributing guns to the barangay captains in Sto. Domingo town, making the community apprehensive.

Former Rep. Mariano Tajon, told the Comelec led by Marino “Mar” Salas and Philippine National Police officials headed by Chief Supt. Constante D. Azares, Jr., Region 1 police director and Senior. Supt. Eduardo Dopale, Ilocos Sur police director, that the incumbent town of mayor of his town had bought guns of caliber 45 and 9mm, using the municipal government fund, then distributed it to the barangay captains few days ago, which he said was a total disregard of the Comelec gun ban.

“While the Comelec and the PNP are implementing the total gun ban, my opponent in Sto. Doming is distributing guns to the barangay leaders,” said Tajon.

Tajon said even during the time of the infamous “Saka-saka” time ( goons in barefoot) he had not even experienced to hold a fan knife during election period.

He said that of the 36 barangay captains, 34 got the guns.

But Sr. Insp.Arsemio T. Ramos, chief of police of Sto. Domingo PNP, said,only 32 barangay captains had actually received guns, saying that based on the Local Government Code, the barangay captains can legally possess guns provided it is licensed. “As far as the Local government law is concerned, there is no such illegal possession since they (captains) are allowed to posses guns to protect themselves,” Ramos said.

General Azares, for his part, said that they will strictly enforce Comelec rules on gun ban, warning that they will arrest anyone who brings guns outside their residence.

Ramos said, however, that the pace and order situation in his town is peaceful, since there had almost been no shooting incidents since the start of political season although there were “sometimes word wars among the candidates.”