BACOLOD City — The Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) intensified its crackdown on illegal weapons on January 27, arresting two suspects and seizing firearms, ammunition, and a live grenade during a raid in EB Magalona, Negros Occidental.
Armed with a search warrant for violations of Republic Act 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act), officers of the EB Magalona Municipal Police Station (MPS) swooped down on a house in Hacienda Buenos Aires, Barangay Consing at around 5:02 p.m. Arrested was 47-year-old alias “Patong,” the husband of a former barangay captain.
While the raid was ongoing, alias “Ron,” a barangay tanod, reportedly arrived at the suspect’s residence armed with an unregistered firearm, leading to his arrest as well.
Recovered from the suspects were two 12-gauge shotguns with 20 rounds of ammunition, a .45 caliber pistol, a .9mm pistol with three magazines, 16 rounds of live ammunition, 10 empty shells, and a live grenade.
PRO-NIR said the raid followed reports that Patong had allegedly been firing his gun and using an armed tanod for protection during illegal activities. Intelligence verification also confirmed neither suspect held a valid firearm license. During the implementation of the warrant, “Ron” arrived at the scene carrying an unregistered firearm and was promptly taken into custody.
The suspects were detained at EB Magalona MPS for proper disposition
“The successful operation highlights the importance of sustained intelligence work and inter-unit coordination,” the regional police office said in a statement, reaffirming its commitment to aggressively pursuing illegal firearm holders to ensure the safety of Negros Island communities./PN
