By CESAR JOLITO III

Police operatives in Siquijor arrested a 61-year-old man and seized multiple unlicensed firearms and ammunition following a court-sanctioned operation that underscored authorities’ intensified drive against loose firearms in the Negros Island Region (NIR) on February 12.

Authorities arrested the suspect, alias “Patet,” a resident in Sitio Bolo-bolo in Lazi town’s Barangay Capalasanan.

“Patet” was apprehended for violating Republic Act No. 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.

Police said the operation stemmed from information provided by a concerned citizen who reported that the suspect had been publicly brandishing a firearm and allegedly firing it at dogs, causing fear among nearby residents.

Operatives conducted surveillance and verification, which confirmed that the suspect was not a licensed firearm holder.

Based on these findings, investigators secured a search warrant from the court.

During the search, police recovered a .45 caliber pistol with a steel magazine and four rounds of live ammunition, as well as a .38 caliber revolver with five rounds of live ammunition.

All items were inventoried on-site in the presence of required witnesses.

The suspect is currently under police custody pending the filing of appropriate charges./CJ, WDJ