ILOILO – A police operation to serve an arrest warrant turned into a gunfight in Barangay Jawod, San Joaquin town on Saturday, April 12, after armed individuals opened fire on law enforcers which later resulted to the capture of Western Visayas’ No. 8 most wanted person.
The 57-year-old Jelly Solinap, a resident of Barangay Tuy-an East, Maasin, Iloilo, was arrested at around 12:50 p.m. by joint elements of the Iloilo Police Provincial Office’s 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company, and Maasin and San Joaquin municipal police stations.
Solinap is facing murder charges and violation of Republic Act 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
While police were securing Solinap, at least five unidentified individuals reportedly fired upon them from an elevated portion of a slope near the arrest site. This triggered a gun battle that lasted for around five minutes.
Despite the unexpected attack, police operatives managed to suppress the assault and recover the following:
* M16 rifle with magazine inserted ;
* M16 rifle with magazine and attached M203 grenade launcher loaded with 40mm ammunition; and
* several assorted magazines and live cartridges.
Police, meanwhile, clarified that Solinap was arrested for his standing criminal charges and not for any confirmed involvement with the Revolutionary Proletarian Army – Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPA-ABB), despite speculations about his alleged links.
“We commend the unwavering commitment and bravery of the personnel involved in this successful operation. We know how hard it is to locate this most wanted person. Despite the challenges posed by him against our operatives, we were able to arrest him,” said Police Brigadier General Jack Wanky, director of the Police Regional Office 6.
He added: “May this arrest serve as a warning to the remaining wanted persons in the region who are still in hiding that you cannot hide forever. The police will search for you, catch you, and bring you before the courts of law to face the crimes charged against you.”
Solinap is now under police custody. No bail bond was recommended for the murder charge while a P120,000 bail bond was set for violation of RA 10591./PN