Blue guard nabbed for gun ban breach

By Jennifer P. Rendon

A security guard was arrested for allegedly being caught carrying a homemade firearm late afternoon of Jan 13, 2022 in Dueñas, Iloilo.

Jay Mark Montenegro, 25, of Barangay Nevada Union, Passi City, Iloilo, was initially flagged by patrolling police after he was seen driving a motorcycle with a modified muffler at Barangay Capuling.

Major Jose Rey Pabalan, Dueñas police chief, said the town has an ordinance against the use of modified/loud exhausts.

Staff Sergeant Amar Pablico of the Dueñas PNP subsequently asked Montenegro for the documents of his motorcycle.

When the suspect opened his sling back, Pablico saw the protruding handle of the firearm.

Pabalan said Pablico immediately grabbed the bag and recovered a single-shot break-type pistol loaded with 15 ammunition compatible to that of caliber 5.56mm.

Montenegro is the second person arrested for gun ban violation in Iloilo province. He claimed to be aware of the ongoing enforcement against carrying of firearm but he did not have an explanation why he still brought one with him.

Pabalan said the suspect was visiting a friend when he was arrested.

Aside from gun ban violation, Montenegro is also facing a criminal charge for breach of Republic Act 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act).