Arrested suspect is a sugar workers’ federation member

A suspected supporter of the New People’s Army (NPA) was arrested on Monday for firearms possession in Binalbagan’s Barangay Santol. Authorities identified the arrested as 56-year-old Sanny Tagarao, a resident of the said area and member of the National Federation of Sugar Workers.
Based on a report by the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOPPO), Negros Occidental Provincial Mobile Force Company personnel, led by Police Captain Roger Pama, visited Tagarao’s home to serve a search warrant, which was issued by Binalbagan Municipal Judge Leticia Trigue on violations of RA 10591, or the Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition.
According to NOPPO, intelligence reports claimed NPA members were frequently visiting the suspect’s home, who was believed to have aided insurgents in planning attacks.
A search of the suspect’s home yielded two .38 caliber revolvers with seven live .38 caliber bullets.
Tagarao faces illegal possession of firearms charges and is detained at the Binalbagan Municipal Police Station./DGB, WDJ