• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has ordered the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Police to investigate a gun firing incident in Talisay City involving a group of agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs).
A video showing a man firing a shot in front of a woman holding up a mobile phone while her companions were shouting has gone viral on social media.
Provincial Elections Supervisor Ian Lee Ananoria said he requested the police to investigate the matter for violation of the Comelec gunban.
PLt. Col. Salvador Trono Jr., Talisay City police chief, said they are searching for the man in the video, who will be charged for violation of the gun ban, grave threats and illegal discharge of firearm.
As seen in the video, the said person was in the company of five other men, one of whom was also holding a gun.
In a statement, Mayor Neil Lizares described the incident as “unacceptable and alarming”.
Lizares said the incident stemmed from a land conflict involving private parties.
“I have always been clear on my stand that I do not and will not tolerate any kind of violence against any Talisaynon. Instead, I always promote resolving legal issues in a legal and peaceful manner,” he added. | GB
