Lanao del Norte town mayor, 6 others arrested after firefight

MANILA, Philippines – The mayor of Pantar town in Lanao del Norte was arrested in a raid-turned-firefight that erupted early morning Sunday, May 13, the military said.

Soldiers and police were going to raid a compound owned by Pantar Mayor Jabar Tago in Barangay Sundiga in response to reports that he was keeping high-powered firearms, according to Colonel Romeo Brawner, a military spokesman.

Armed men fired at the government troops but the troops, who brought along armored vehicles, were ready. 

"It was a brief firefight," said Brawner.

There were no casualties.

The mayor and 6 others were arrested for violation of Republic Act No. 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.

Brawner said 9 high-powered firearms, 5 pistols, and a shotgun were among those recovered from Tago's compound. –