Soldier nabbed for gun ban breach to face admin, criminal sanctions
Another soldier is at the risk of losing his job following his arrest for violation of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) total gun ban.
Members of Himamaylan Police Station collared Corporal Rommel Genir of the 11th Infantry Battalion based in Brgy. Carabalan, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental.
Rafael Olmedo, 24, of Brgy. 1, Himamaylan City, complained Genir for allegedly brandishing his caliber .45 pistol to the civilian.
It was gathered that Genir was placed under the custody of his superiors at the 11IB.
Meanwhile, 3rd Infantry Division public information officer 1Lt. Mark Andrew Posadas stressed that appropriate sanctions await Genir.
“As earlier stated by 3ID commander, Maj. Gen. Vicente Porto, the 3ID will not tolerate violators of the COMELEC total gunban,” Posadas said.
He added, “So, not only will the erring soldier be sanctioned administratively but his chain-of-command, all the way up to his battalion commander will be held accountable.”
Peralta, Jamindan, Capiz.
In his visit to 3ID two weeks ago, AFP chief of staff Gen. Victor Ibrado warned that he would discharge from the service soldiers arrested for gun if they could not explain why they violated law.
For officers, they will be subjected to the (Efficiency and Separation Board).
“You should remember, the only time that you could carry your firearms is if you are in uniform and in performance of the duty. Even if you’re in the performance of your duty and you’re not in uniform, you could not still carry your gun,” he added.
For AFP personnel on security details with politicians, Ibrado said that they should still be uniform because it is still a violation if hey are not.
“The punishment is discharge from the service. Kailangan seryosohin natin ito. Dahil ang baril ang punot dulo ng election-related violence,” he reminded.
