Alleged Ex-Soldier Arrested for Gunfire, Illegal Firearm

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY – Authorities are verifying the identity of a 45-year-old man, allegedly a former soldier, who was arrested for alarm and scandal in Barangay Bantayanon, Calatrava, Negros Occidental, on Thursday.

Police Capt. Jesus Alba, deputy chief of the Calatrava Municipal Police Station, said the suspect was reportedly discharged from the Philippine Army, but no supporting documents have been presented.

Alba said the suspect had returned to the province from Cebu six months ago and was renting a house near his sibling in the town.

The incident was reported by a teacher after five gunshots were heard behind a school near the suspect’s rented house, causing alarm and panic among residents.

When police arrived, the suspect handed his .45 caliber firearm to his brother and retreated into his boarding house.

It took nearly two hours of negotiation involving police and barangay officials before the suspect surrendered.

The firearm was found to be unlicensed, Alba said. The suspect now faces charges of alarm and scandal, as well as illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.

Alba noted this was the first time the suspect exhibited violent behavior, but his family mentioned he had previously displayed erratic behavior, possibly due to his mental state.