Cordillera police seal politicians’ guns in Abra

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – Policemen sealed off guns of politicians in Abra to symbolize the gun ban.

Abra was declared by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) as hotspot this election period.

There were 182 short licensed firearms owned by various politicians in the province who voluntarily went to Camp Juan Villamor in Bangued, Saturday, to have their weapons sealed for safekeeping throughout the election period.

Cordillera Police Chief Benjamin Magalong led the muzzle taping of the firearms with the police seal and his signature to assure guns will not be used.

“Ang pakikiisa ng mga pulitiko na ilantad ang kanilang mga baril at ipatago sa pulisya, ay senyales na gusto ng mga Abrenian na maging tahimik ang kanilang bayan at harapin ang maunlad na pamumuhay,” Magalong said.

Leading the politicians were Mayor Ryan Luna of Bangued with 17 firearms.
The Luna family is one of the most influential in the province; Luna has the most number of licensed firearms in the area.

Governor Eustaquio Bersamin likewise appealed for peace during the elections.

After the muzzle taping, police proceeded to go to the homes of the politicians for the voluntary sealing of guns.

First was Mayor Robert Victor Seares of Dolores with eight firearms, Mayor Benido Bacuyag of Malibcong with three pieces, and Mayor Placido Eduarte of Tayum with six guns then the home of the governor four guns, including a Tabur (an Israel made gun).