Hidden Guns Found; Marcos Ally Arrested
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MANILA — A pro-Marcos mayor and eight of his bodyguards were arrested today after authorities found guns hidden in their cars as they were on their way to pay a “courtesy call” on Defense Minister Juan Ponce Enrile, officials said.
Defense Ministry spokesman Silvestre Afable said that Mayor Rodolfo Farinas and the eight guards were turned over to the Philippine Constabulary for investigation, and he indicated that they will be charged with illegal possession of firearms.
Farinas is mayor of Laoag City in deposed President Ferdinand E. Marcos’ home province of Ilocos Norte.
Drove Up in 3 Cars
Another Defense Ministry spokesman, Jose Flores, said Farinas and his men showed up Wednesday in three cars at Camp Aguinaldo, where Enrile’s office is located.
Flores said the men wanted to pay a courtesy call on Enrile, one of the military leaders of the revolt that led to Marcos’ ouster and the accession of Corazon Aquino to the Philippine presidency.
Suspecting that “something was afoot,” Flores said, intelligence officers searched the cars and found an assortment of automatic rifles and other firearms.
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