Poll exec questions list of PASG agents
By Marlon Ramos from Philippine Daily Inquirer
MANILA, Philippines – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has prohibited Presidential Anti-Smuggling Group (PASG) agents from carrying firearms during the election period after uncovering dubious names seeking exemption from the nationwide gun ban as PASG personnel.
In a six-page order dated March 3, Comelec Commissioner Lucenito Tagle expressed concern over the inclusion of several elected officials and prominent businessmen in the list of PASG agents.
The public information office of the Philippine National Police furnished the Philippine Daily Inquirer with a copy of Tagle’s order on Friday.
Tagle said the election body was able to uncover this after concerned individuals sought the help of the Comelec’s Committee on the Ban on Firearms and Security Personnel (CBFSP) in arresting persons posing as PASG personnel apparently to get exemptions from the gun ban.
Among those listed as “PASG agents” were business tycoon Eduardo Cojuangco Jr., Gregorio Araneta III, a certain Jose Taruc and incumbent Alicia, Isabela Mayor Napoleon Dy.
“All PASG personnel are directed to cease and desist from bearing, carrying and transporting their firearms outside their residences during the election period without prior written authority from the CBFSP,” the order read.
Tagle said PASG chief Antonio Villar certified the lists, but it had erasures before the names of the supposed PASG personnel.
The election commissioner also ordered Villar to answer allegations that PASG was being used by unscrupulous individuals to evade arrest and to submit the names of all PASG operatives to the Comelec.
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