- MITCH M. LIPA
Mayor Richard Jaojoco of Toboso, Negros Occidental reminded municipal employees to behave accordingly and be more responsible with their actions and refrain from drinking alcohol, most especially when driving a government-owned vehicle.
Jaojoco’s appeal came on the heels of the arrest late last week of Sangguniang Bayan driver Eddie Gumban, 54, following a police chase after he reportedly sideswiped a tricycle that injured a passenger.
The Toboso Municipal Police Station, headed by Capt. Kenneth Paul Magan, is readying charges against Gumban, a resident of Barangay San Isidro, for reckless imprudence resulting in damage to property and violation of Republic Act 10591 for alleged unlawful acquisition and possession of firearms.
The police pursued the suspect after he allegedly hit a tricycle unit and injured a passenger on Feb. 11.
Police said Gumban left the scene of the accident, prompting law enforcers to chase him.
When they got close to the vehicle driven by the LGU employee, Gumban accelerated his speed and drew his handgun and pointed the same to the responding policemen.
This prompted the police operatives to shoot the front and rear tires of the Sanggunian van to stop and subdue him.
The policemen arrested the suspect, who was allegedly unruly because he was under the influence of alcohol, the blotter report said.
The police then conducted a visual search inside his vehicle and recovered a .45 caliber pistol without serial number.
The firearm was loaded with a magazine inserted with seven live ammunition.
An extra magazine loaded with eight live ammo was also in Gumban’s vehicle.
Gumban failed to present pertinent documents for the firearm in his possession.
Toboso Vice Mayor Jessie Rex Bartolome also confirmed that Gumban is a bonafide driver of the Sangguniang Bayan and his trip was official when the accident happened.
Bartolome said the vehicle that was driven by Gumban is not only for use of the SB members but also for emergency and usual day-to-day office errands.
He pointed out that his office is not tolerating the alleged “attitude” problem displayed by Gumban.
He should be responsible for his behavior, Bartolome said.
The Toboso official further said he will shortly issue a statement after receiving the official copy of the police report as well as going through the statements of Gumban, the tricycle driver, among others. – MML
