THE arrest of a group that allegedly violated the gun ban in Sitio Paradise, Barangay Pajo in Lapu-Lapu City was just one of several incidents reported to poll and police officials in Cebu.
Despite repeated warnings, several persons violated the bans on drinking liquor, carrying guns during the election period, and providing free rides on Election Day.
Here’s a quick look.
Bantayan
Police arrested seven men in Barangay Botigues, Bantayan town for possession of a shotgun, ammunition, and at least 17 envelopes stuffed with cash and sample ballots. The arrest took place at 10:45 p.m. on Sunday night, police said. They identified the seven who were suspected of trying to buy votes as Junrey Daruca, 31; Androw Cesa, 21; Roger Cañete, 24; Ronel Ejorango, 37; Jomer Ejorango, 31; Jessril Ejorango, 29; and Norgell Guzat, 21.
Tuburan
Police arrested two men, both barangay tanods, who allegedly violated the gun ban in Barangay Colonia, Tuburan at 10 p.m. last May 12. They identified the two as Marcilito Gibo, 45, and Caesar Mahusay, 52, and confiscated two loaded guns fropm them.
Cebu City
Three jeepneys were intercepted because the drivers were allegedly transporting voters for free, in violation of election rules. A team from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) 7 confirmed that one jeepney that regularly plied the Oprra-Colon route was transporting voters for free to the Cebu Normal University. A second one was doing the same for some voters headed for the Cebu City Central School, while the third vehicle was stopped on Osmeña Blvd.
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A 27-year-old man who was believed to be drunk was arrested after he allegedly went wild in Sitio Sambag 4, Barangay Guadalupe last Sunday dawn. Barangay tanods caught Rudy Macalaguing at 12:53 a.m., when the liquor ban was already in effect. It ended at 12:01 a.m. of May 15. Selling, offering, buying, serving, or taking intoxicating liquor in the last 48 hours were prohibited under Section 261 of the Omnibus Election Code.
Mandaue City
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) asked the police to make sure that tanods in Barangay Tabok, Mandaue City didn’t get too close to the polling places. One candidate’s supporter reported to the Comelec that some tanods were standing too close to the polling center. All police officers, soldiers and other forces, including barangay tanods, were required to stay at least 50 meters away from any polling place, except when they were voting or when they had to resolve an “actual disturbance or disruption of peace and order.” That rule was set in Comelec Resolution 10211.
Lapu-Lapu City
Six men were arrested on the eve of Election Day in Barangay Pajo, Lapu-Lapu City for allegedly carrying bladed weapons, a gun and an Airsoft pistol. One of them is a senior citizen. A police team said they caught the group at 9:30 p.m. on Sunday night in Sitio Paradise. They identified the suspects as Teresito Causapin, 28; Roldan Paquibot, 38; Brec Jay Omolon, 24; Edmar Gomez, 28; Eugene Almeda, 62; and Leoric Tampus, 29.
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Lawyer Ann Janette Lamban, Lapu-Lapu City’s election officer, denied allegations there was an extra ballot box set aside for tampering with the results in Barangay Punta Engaño. One candidate’s supporter alleged that the box was hidden under the table, a claim that caused a commotion. Lamban, however, explained that each Board of Canvassers needed one ballot box, which would hold the election returns after the ballots were counted. Watchers were also in place to make sure the counting proceeded honestly.
Carcar City
A police team who tried to pacify a man who had run amok in Valencia, Carcar City ended up shooting and killing him less than eight hours before polling places were set to open. The police said that Rommel Caballero had gone to the home of Dale and Adela Alecha and began punching them. When the police arrived, he was allegedly brandishing two bolos. He refused to surrender and instead began hacking SPO2 Meliton Agadier Jr. Another officer, PO3 Mario Jun Dio, fell and fired his pistol to stop the suspect but the man kept on hacking him. SPO2 Agadier shot Caballero to save Di’s life, the police report said. The police brought Caballero to the Carcar District Hospital, but he was declared dead on arrival.
Dumanjug
Bulak Barangay Captain Reynaldo Albios reported that unidentified persons fired at his gate and car at 1:30 a.m. Monday, while the gun ban was still in effect. He called it a “sign of intimidation.” No one was hurt.
Moalboal
Barangay Captain Eliseo Dio went to the Moalboal Police Station to surrender a .45 pistol that he claimed to have received from the previous barangay captain. Dio reportedly told the police he decided to yield the gun as soon as he learned that its license had expired.