A man was arrested in possession of an illegal firearm and suspected shabu at the corner of Lopez Jaena and Burgos Streets in Barangay 27, Bacolod City.

According to Police Officer 3 (PO3) Vi Anthony Lopez, a member of the Bacolod City Mobile Force Company, he noticed the passenger of a tricycle had a firearm in his pocket.

Lopez confronted the passenger and identified himself as a police officer.

The suspect was identified as 35-year-old Ernie de Asis, a resident of the said barangay.

Lopez requested assistance from the Bacolod City Police Office special weapons and tactics (SWAT) unit and Police Station 4.

Recovered from De Asis were an improvised .38 caliber revolver with five unfired cartridges, one small sachet of suspected shabu, one improvised tooter, two lighters, a small belt bag, and one coin purse.

The suspect faces charges in violation of RA 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act; and RA 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002./NC, WDJ