Gun ban violation: Tanod caught with unlicensed firearm in Caloocan

A barangay tanod in North Caloocan was arrested on Thursday night, 25 April, for carrying an unlicensed firearm in violation of the nationwide election gun ban.

Police Major Edsel Ibasco, commander of the West Bagong Silang Substation, said officers were patrolling along Phase 9, Barangay 176-E, when a resident approached them after noticing part of a firearm sticking out of the suspect’s belt bag.

“Our police officers saw the exposed handle of the gun — it’s easily seen because it's shiny within the suspect’s belt bag,” Ibasco said.

Upon questioning, the tanod, identified only as alias “Benjie,” a 45-year-old resident of Bagong Silang, failed to present any documentation for the .45 caliber pistol.

“The barangay officer said that he purchased the gun for self-defense, however, it was unregistered, and there were no documents,” Ibasco said.

The pistol was loaded with six live rounds. A background check also revealed that Benjie had previously faced a child molestation case in Novaliches, Quezon City, although it was later withdrawn.

Ibasco emphasized that barangay officers are not exempt from the election gun ban, and that proper documentation must always be presented.

"Even barangay officers, including us police officers, are under the ongoing election gun ban, so there should be documents that prove the firearm is licensed or that it is truly necessary," he added.

Benjie is currently detained at the West Bagong Silang Substation and will be charged with violating Republic Act 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, in relation to the Omnibus Election Code.