Abra Mayor, Vice Mayor face Anti-Trafficking and other charges

Abra, Philippines – The incumbent mayor and vice mayor of the Municipality of Pilar now face charges in connection to the controversial standoff at the Somera/Disono compound last March 29, 2022.

A report by the Police Community Affairs and Development Group Cordillera disclosed that a case of violation of Republic Act 9208 as amended by RA 10364 or the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2012 has already been filed against Mayor Mark Roland Somera and Vice Mayor Jaja Josefina Somera Disono.

Another case for violation of RA 7166 in relation to Batas Pambansa 881 for the unauthorized employment of security aids is also expected to be filed against the two.

Apart from these, Vice Mayor Disono was charged with violation of section 261 of BP 881 or violation of the gun ban policy.

The standoff incident was earlier reported by the police to have started when a vehicle allegedly ignored the authorities at the checkpoint in the town of Pilar, hitting two police personnel when the advanced security sped off.

A hot pursuit operation was immediately conducted by the police to catch the vehicle. The occupants of the said vehicle allegedly fired at the police mobile. The van was said to have entered the compound of Vice Mayor Disono.

One of the bodyguards was killed in the shoot-out and 12 ex-military personnel who were employed as personal aid to the vice mayor have been subjected to police investigation.

Other People Charged

Four individuals who disregarded the PNP and COMELEC checkpoint on March 29 were also charged with violation of Art 151 of the Revised Penal Code or Serious Disobedience of Lawful Orders of Agent of Person in Authority.

These suspects were identified as Jericho Bufil, Robert Toreno, Emmanuel Valera, and Sandee Bermudo.

Moreover, Bufil was charged with Multiple Attempted Murder for allegedly firing at the pursuing police during the incident.

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