TENSION strikes in Abra anew after a barangay tanod was killed early Monday morning, May 9, in Lagayan town, according to police reports.
Election proceedings were suspended in barangay Pang-ot after a shooting incident killed Manuel Zacarias while Joel Donatoo, a known supporter of mayoralty candidate Edmar Crisologo, and Randy Viloria were wounded.
Following the incident, the Vote Counting Machines and other election paraphernalia, together with the Board of Election Inspectors, were brought to the Lagayan Municipal Hall in a military truck where the election was later held.
Four suspects were then arrested in a joint operation by the Philippine National Police and Armed Forces of the Philippines’ quick reaction teams.
Nabbed were Rodel Villa, Carlos Donato Almazan, Rochelle Donato, and Merly Cabangon.
Seized from the suspects' possession were a .38-caliber long-barrel pistol and various other guns and ammunition.
The suspects were brought to the Lagayan police station while investigation is still ongoing.
Earlier, a Hyundai Starex van bearing plate number WQY-508 was apprehended at a checkpoint in Sinalang, Lipcan, Bangued, Abra.
Around 7:30 pm on May 8, Sunday, eight persons riding the van were arrested for violating the election gun ban.
Apprehended were Recto Batondo, Ryan Dizon, Luzviminda Ulibas, and Alger Larry Pajara, residents of Manabo, Abra; Zacarias Gonzales, of Bucay, Abra; Lance Bryan Tan, of Sta. Mesa, Manila; Francis Bhrill Nuez, from Sampaloc, Manila; and lawyer Lucky Damasen, from San Isidro, Isabela.
Found in their possession were a .45-caliber pistol with two empty magazines, a 9-mm Luger pistol with two long magazines and 19 live rounds, and a 9 mm Norinco with two magazines and 23 live rounds.
Abra was earlier placed under Comelec control following complaints of harassment and vote buying.
Abra was also placed under Comelec control in the 2010 elections.