LAOAG CITY — Top government officials in Pasuquin town charged with illegal possession of firearms are now free after they posted bail in court.
Senior Supt. Cesar Pasiwen, Officer-in-Charge of the Ilocos Norte Police, confirmed this on Monday as incumbent Pasuquin Mayor Ferdinand Aguinaldo and his cousin, Vice Mayor Pedro Rex Aguinaldo, were released on Sunday evening.
“Nakapag-bail na po sina mayor, vice mayor at saka yung mga kasamahan nila. Na-release sila kagabi (The mayor, vice mayor and their companion posted bail. They were released last night),” he said.
Pasiwen said their charges are bailable but the confiscated firearms and ammunitions remained under the custody of the Philippine National Police.
On May 12, authorities found firearms and live ammunitions in the homes of the Aguinaldos in Barangays Poblacion and Davila, Pasuquin town after a simultaneous search operation.
The home of former mayor Peter Felix Aguinaldo was also raided on Saturday, but he was able to show a valid license of his gun.
With the continuing and intensified campaign against loose firearms, Pasiwen said the police acted on a report that the Aguinaldos were keeping weapons. (Leilanie Adriano/PNA)