A barangay treasurer was arrested for illegal firearm possession amid the election gun ban in Sitio Guloen, Brgy. Calaba, Bangued, Abra, on February 15, 2025.
Authorities identified the suspect as George Libnao Buyao, barangay treasurer of Poblacion Agsimao, Tineg, Abra, and a resident of Sitio Guloen, Calaba, Bangued.
At around 9:45 p.m., personnel from Bangued Municipal Police Station (MPS) and RMFB 1504th MC, led by PCPT Welquin Enciso, responded to a report of an alarm and scandal. Upon arrival, officers saw Buyao sitting near a plastic table in his kitchen, with a firearm in plain sight.
When questioned, Buyao failed to present a certificate of authority from the Commission on Elections (Comelec) for firearm possession, leading to his immediate arrest. Authorities recovered a Colt .45 pistol, a magazine containing five live rounds, and a fired cartridge case from his living room.
Buyao was brought to Bangued MPS for documentation and will face charges for violating Comelec Resolution No. 11067 in relation to Republic Act 10591.
