Auto mechanic nabbed for gun, drugs

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz — A 30-year-old auto mechanic was arrested Friday evening, June 26, for allegedly carrying an unlicensed firearm while walking in Barangay Sto. Niño, Dumalag, Capiz.

Police Maj. Amie Bulaquina, Dumalag police chief, identified the suspect as alias Den, a resident of Barangay Nagba, Cuartero, Capiz.

Police said the Dumalag Municipal Police Station received information from a concerned citizen about a person carrying an unidentified firearm in the area, causing panic among residents.

A police mobile patrol proceeded to the African swine fever border control area in Barangay Sta. Cruz, Dumalag, where officers allegedly caught the suspect with a homemade .38-caliber revolver without a serial number.

Police said the firearm was loaded with three live rounds of ammunition.

Authorities also recovered from the suspect three heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing suspected shabu weighing 2 grams, with an estimated street value of PHP 13,600.

Police records showed that the suspect is a high-value individual on the police drug watchlist.

The suspect is under the custody of the Dumalag Municipal Police Station.

Charges for violation of Republic Act 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, and Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, will be filed Monday, June 29, before the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office.

7 nabbed for illegal fishing in Panay

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz — Seven people were arrested after they were allegedly caught conducting illegal fishing activities in the waters off Panay, Capiz, on Saturday afternoon, June 27.

Police identified the suspects as alias Jerryl, 32, and alias Edwin, 42, both boat captains.

Their crew members were identified as alias Victor, 29; alias Bobet, 48; alias Rodgen, 46; alias Sovereno, 27; and alias Arnel, 31.

Police said all suspects are residents of Barangay Casanayan, Pilar, Capiz.

The suspects were allegedly caught fishing using trawl gear, a violation of the fishing ordinance of the municipality of Panay.

Recovered from the suspects were two fishing boats valued at PHP 200,000, two diesel engines valued at PHP 30,000, a complete set of fishing paraphernalia valued at PHP 300,000, and about 40 kilograms of assorted fish valued at PHP 8,000.

The suspects are under the custody of the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office of Panay for proper disposition.

A case for violation of Municipal Ordinance No. 03-02, or the Municipal Fishery Code, Series of 2003, will be filed against them.