An alleged bodyguard of Tanjay City Mayor Baltazar Salma was apprehended Saturday, for alleged illegal possession of firearms and violation of the election gun ban law at the Pamplona cockpit in Pamplona, Oriental Negros.

The suspect was identified as Sebastian Baylon, an ex-Marine presently residing in Tanjay City.

Pamplona chief of policed Insp. Renato Bareros said an informant texted them that a certain individual was bringing a firearm inside the cockpit.

Under the law, firearms are not allowed inside the cockpit or any amusement establishment except when an authorized operation is being conducted, Bareros said.

Responding policemen arrested Baylon who voluntarily turned over his .45 caliber pistol loaded with 11 live ammunition.

During investigation, Baylon identified himself as bodyguard of Mayor Salma but as of press time, no one from the camp of the Mayor had visited Baylon who was detained at the Pamplona PNP lock-up cell.

Baylon showed his temporary license but he had no license to carry firearms. He tried to show a permit for election gun ban exemption but it was for the transport of the firearms he bought from H & B arms corporation last March 13, initial investigation showed.

The suspect was ordered released by Provincial Prosecutor Diosdado Hermosa, after 18 hours of detention.

Under the new COMELEC memorandum, violators for the election gun ban can only be detained for 18 hours. Police filed charges against Baylon before the Provincial Prosecutors Office, Hall of Justice, in Dumaguete City.* MA

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