The Philippine National Police (PNP) considers filing criminal charges against Pilar, Abra vice mayor Jaja Josefina Disono over the shootout between her bodyguards, and law enforcement units last Tuesday, March 29.
Based on reports, the shootout happened after a vehicle carrying Disono and her security personnel run through a checkpoint in Brgy. Poblacion, Pilar, and injured two police officers.
The police chased the vehicle that fled towards their residence in Disono.
Police said that one of the security escorts of Disono, identified as Sandee Boy Bermundo, perished from the gunfight that started after the occupants of the fleeing vehicle opened fire on the law enforcement units giving chase.
PCol. Jean Fajardo, the spokesperson of the PNP, said on Wednesday, March 30, that the Disono could face charges since she did not avail of an exemption from the ban on carrying firearms outside of residence during the election period and employment of protective security detail.
Fajardo mentioned that authorities recovered a 9mm firearm, registered under Disono, from the vehicle.
"While it is true na yung baril ay may lisensya and she has the license to own and possess firearms (LTOP) outside of residence, alam natin during election period ay suspendido lahat ng LTOP," Fajardo explained during a press conference in Camp Crame, Quezon City.
"Maari din natin matignan na may administrative liability with respect to the vice mayor for employing bodyguards without the authority or exemption of the COMELEC (Commission on Elections)," she added.
