By CESAR JOLITO III
Two separate search warrant operations led to the arrest of three suspects and the seizure of multiple firearms, ammunition and a live grenade in Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental on Tuesday, January 27.
In a statement, the Police Regional Office in the Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) said the operations were carried out through the police force’s continued efforts to neutralize armed threats and prevent gun-related violence in the region under Republic Act 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
E.B. Magalona police carried out an operation in Barangay Consing’s Hacienda Buenos Aires, arresting a 47-year-old man known by the alias “Patong” and another suspect identified as “Ron,” a barangay tanod.
Police said residents had reported that “Patong,” the husband of a former barangay captain, had allegedly been firing a firearm and using an armed barangay tanod for protection in connection with illegal activities.
Intelligence operatives conducted surveillance and firearm verification, which showed that no firearm was registered under his name. This prompted authorities to secure a search warrant.
During the implementation of the warrant, “Ron” reportedly arrived at the suspect’s residence while armed with an unregistered firearm, leading to his arrest as well.
Seized during the operation were two 12-gauge shotguns with 20 rounds of ammunition, a .45 caliber pistol with seven rounds and one magazine, a 9mm pistol with three magazines and 16 rounds of ammunition, 10 empty shells, and a live grenade with a pin.
At 9:20 p.m., a second operation was carried out at Barangay Buntis in Negros Oriental’s Bacong town, which resulted in the arrest of a 31-year-old man known as “Rum.”
Police said the suspect was in possession of a .38 caliber revolver and was allegedly involved in a series of robbery incidents in Bacong and nearby areas.
Surveillance and verification confirmed that the suspect was not a licensed firearm holder, prompting police to obtain a search warrant.
Recovered from the suspect were a .38 caliber revolver, eight rounds of live ammunition, and a belt bag.
PRO-NIR said the inventory of seized items was conducted on-site and documented using body-worn cameras.
The suspects are now in police custody for proper disposition.
The regional police office said the successful operations highlight the importance of sustained intelligence work and inter-unit coordination, adding that authorities remain committed to aggressively pursuing individuals involved in the illegal possession of firearms to keep communities in Negros Island safe and secure./CJ, WDJ