By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The operator of a motorcycle was recently arrested after police found he was in possession of a firearm along the Rizal Highway in Barangay Rizal, Silay City, Negros Occidental.

Police identified the suspect as 49-year-old Miguel Ledesma, a resident of Purok Pag-asa in Barangay E. Lopez of the said city.

Silay City police chief, Police Superintendent Noel Polines, said he, along with his station’s mobile patrol team, were conducting a routine checkpoint when they flagged down Ledesma’s motorcycle.

Poline said the inspecting police officer asked for Ledesma’s driver’s license, which the suspect could not produce.

However, Ledesma claimed he had a “mission order” document inside his bag and, upon opening, police officer discovered a pistol.

Officers arrested Ledesma after failing to produce a license to carry the pistol.

Police recovered a Star Super .38 pistol, two magazines, and 15 rounds of live ammunition.

Ledesma is presently facing charges for illegal possession of firearms./DGB, WDJ