Bodyguards nabbed for violating gun ban

GENERAL SANTOS CITY – Police have filed charges against two alleged security escorts of Maguindanao Vice Gov. Lester Sinsuat for violating the election gun ban.

Police identified the suspects as Sadat Abdullah, 26,and Benny Manampad, 38, both residents of Barangay Tamontaka, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao. They were believed to be bodyguards of the Maguindanao official.

Police said the suspects were arrested last Monday by policemen in Koronadal City, South Cotabato for carrying unlicensed handguns after they figured in a melee inside a local bar.

Policemen arrested the suspects, who were onboard two vehicles, after they fired at a group of people with whom they figured in a brawl at a local bar on Alunan Ave., Koronadal City.

The suspects, together with Mohamad Sinsuat, barangay chairman of Barangay Tamontaka and nephew of Sinsuat, tried to escape but responding policemen led by Supt. Barney Condes intercepted them while on board their vehicles, a Toyota Hi-lux and Toyota Grandia van.

The suspects yielded two unlicensed .45 caliber pistols and will be charged with violation of the Comelec gun ban and possession of unlicensed firearms.