By CESAR JOLITO III

Police arrested a 57-year-old farmer and seized an unlicensed firearm during the implementation of a search warrant at Barangay Pandanon in Negros Occidental’s Don Salvador Benedicto town yesterday.

The suspect, identified by police as alias “Leto,” was said to have caused alarm among community members.

Authorities carried out an operation following reports from residents about a man allegedly creating a disturbance while intoxicated and armed.

Police conducted surveillance and firearms verification, which showed that the suspect was not a licensed firearm holder.

Based on the findings, authorities secured a court-issued search warrant for violations of Republic Act 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.

During the search at Purok Super L, officers recovered a .38 caliber revolver and one round of ammunition.

The seized items were inventoried at the scene, police said.

The suspect is currently detained at the Don Salvador Benedicto Municipal Police Station and will face appropriate charges.

Police said the operation underscores ongoing efforts to curb illegal firearms and maintain public safety in Negros Occidental./CJ, WDJ