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Saturday, May 05, 2007
Basilan guv bet, followers face gun rap
By Bong Garcia
ZAMBOANGA CITY -- The Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM) is set to file charges for violation of the election gun ban against three people, including a gubernatorial candidate of the island province of Basilan.
NFWM chief Emilio Marayag said the charges would be filed against gubernatorial aspirant Gerry Salapuddin and two of his men, engineer Salam Alimin and Malik Aruh.
Pinoy Votes: Sun.Star Election 2007 Coverage
Marayag said Marine troops manning a checkpoint in Barangay Tumahubong, Sumisip, Basilan confiscated two high-powered firearms from Alimin and Aruh while in a convoy with Salapuddin.
Salapuddin and his party were on their way to campaign in Sumisip when the firearms were seized Friday from two in the group.
Salapuddin is a congressman representing Basilan province and the deputy speaker of the House of Representatives for Mindanao.
Marayag said Alimin and Aruh claimed they were exempted from the gun ban but could only show applications for exemption and not an authorization from the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to carry firearms.
Under the law, the Commission on Elections is the sole government agency that could authorize anyone to carry firearms during the election period.
Salapuddin has denied that Alimin and Aruh were in his convoy. "They are not my escorts, or my employees," Salapuddin said.
Basilan Governor Wahab Akbar urged the concerned government agencies to take prompt action over the matter.
Akbar is running for Basilan congressman. One of his three wives is running against Salapuddin for governor. (Sunnex)For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star Zamboanga. (May 5, 2007 issue)
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