By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga
The family of a security aide arrested earlier this week in Isabela surfaced yesterday to complain about the operation behind the arrest.
In a phone interview, the female relative of one of the suspects, who has requested anonymity, recalled working in Bacolod City when she received a phone call from another relative telling her their home was being raided.
According to the relative, she said the operation was conducted by Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOPPO) operatives; however, the Isabela Municipal Police Station was reportedly not informed of the operation until later in the day.
She acknowledged the suspect keeps firearms in their house but they never show them to the public as they are kept hidden.
In response to NOPPO claiming they were unable to find registration for the recovered firearms, which led to their subsequent confiscation, the relative affirmed the firearms are legitimately owned except for one with an expired license.
“The firearms belong to my brother,” she stated. “[They were] left at home because of the gun ban declaration.”
When the suspects were brought before the local court, she said one of the firearms was later returned as it had complete papers, while the other remained in police custody. Afterwards, she said her relative and the other suspect were released after posting bail.
The relative credited Task Force Kasanag national commander John Chiong and Isabela Mayor Joselito Malabor for their release and reiterated suspicious raised by others, including the mayor, claiming the raids were “politically motivated.”
NOPPO director, Police Colonel Romeo Baleros, earlier denied the raids were “politically motivated.”
Police identified the arrested suspects, all of whom are residents of Isabela, as Alexander Ferrer, a resident of Barangay 8; Niel Ladrido, a resident of Barangay Tinongan; and Florentino Lopio, a resident of Barangay 9.
Baleros said the operations were carried out as part of their mandate to pursue loose firearms and ensure the security of the upcoming midterm elections, which take place on Monday.
In total, Baleros said they recovered two .45 caliber pistols, six magazines of ammunition for a .45 caliber firearm, 83 rounds of .45 caliber bullets, two magazines for Thompson submachine guns, an ammo box, and a firearms license./DGB, WDJ