Alleged RPA-ABB member skirts arrest in gun raid

By Jennifer P. Rendon

An alleged member of the Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPA-ABB) evaded arrest following a firearm raid at his house in Badiangan, Iloilo morning of April 2, 2023.

Remenor Lozañes, 44, was nowhere to be found when police served the search warrant at his residence in Barangay Manaolan, Badiangan.

Members of the Badiangan Municipal Police Station, the Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RFMB) 6, and the 2nd Iloilo Provincial Mobile Force Company conducted the search and seizure that was authorized by Search Warrant No. 23-13.

Judge Gemalyn Faunillo-Tarol of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 76 in Janiuay, Iloilo issued the warrant on March 31, 2023 against the suspect for violation Republic Act 10591 ((Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act).

Recovered during the operation were a homemade 12-gauge shotgun, a caliber .357 revolver, and an empty magazine for a 12-gauge shotgun.

Police operatives also seized live ammunition for a 12-gauge shotgun, caliber .357 revolver, and M16 rifle; an empty shell; and two holsters.

Major Bonifacio Alabe, Jr., Badiangan police chief, said Lozañes’s father claimed that he was in Calinog town during the raid.

“But we’re also checking for the possibility of a leakage on our operation,” he said.

Alabe said they conducted the raid after several complaints that the suspect and his group were extorting residents of Badiangan and Lambunao.

Police also have video footage where the suspect allegedly led a team of several men conducting patrol activities. The group was also seen carrying long firearms.

While he was not arrested, Lozañes will still be charged for violation of RA 10591.