BACOLOD City — A disaster risk reduction and management office (DRRMO) employee and a farmer were arrested in separate police operations in Negros Occidental this week as authorities intensified their campaign against loose firearms.
The Police Regional Office – Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) said the arrests were made for violations of Republic Act No. 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Act.
On February 24, operatives of the Hinigaran Municipal Police Station, under the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOcPPO), implemented a search warrant at Sitio Ma-asin, Barangay Bato in Hinigaran.
The operation resulted in the arrest of a 45-year-old suspect identified only by the alias “Panoy.”
Police seized from his residence a chrome-finished Colt MK IV Series 80 caliber .45 pistol, a magazine assembly for a caliber .45 firearm, and three rounds of ammunition.
Authorities said the operation stemmed from a report by a concerned citizen alleging that the suspect had brandished a firearm and issued death threats. He is currently detained at the Hinigaran Municipal Police Station pending the filing of appropriate charges.
Two days later, on February 26, another search warrant was served in Purok Super L, Barangay Pandanon in Don Salvador Benedicto, leading to the arrest of a 57-year-old farmer identified by the alias “Leto.”
Police said the suspect allegedly caused a disturbance while intoxicated and carrying a firearm, alarming residents in the area. Subsequent surveillance and firearms verification revealed that he was not a licensed gun holder.
Recovered from his possession were a caliber .38 revolver and one round of ammunition.
The suspect was apprised of his constitutional rights and is now under the custody of the Don Salvador Benedicto Municipal Police Station for proper legal disposition./PN
