A 41-YEAR-OLD security guard was the first to fall in a police operation for violating the gun ban which is in effect in Cebu province to ensure peace during the Sinulog.
Gerry Lumasig was arrested past 9 p.m. Thursday in barangay Banilad, Cebu City.
Operatives of the Special Weapons and Tactics team acted on a report that a man was seen pointing a gun at a group of men having a drinking session.
SWAT personnel caught Lumasig in his post not wearing his uniform. Lumasig, who is employed with GDS Security Agency, was arrested when police confirmed he was the party involved in the gun-toting incident.
Police said an unlicensed .38 revolver was recovered from the man鈥檚 possession. He tested positive for alcohol use at Cebu City Medical Center.
The gun ban will take effect until Jan. 22. Permit to carry firearms was also suspended.
Senior Supt. Eduard Carranza said even off-duty policemen could be arrested if found to be illegally carrying firearms during the gun ban period./CORRESPONDENTS FE MARIE D. DUMABOC AND CHITO O. ARAGON