Businessman nabbed in firearm raid

By Jennifer P. Rendon

A 44-year-old businessman was arrested in a firearm raid early morning of Oct. 7 in La Paz, Iloilo.

Alias Richard was apprehended following a search and seizure operation at his house in Barangay San Isidro, La Paz.

Members of the Iloilo City Police Station 2, together with the ICPO Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team, swept the suspect’s house by virtue of Search Warrant No. SW31-12-2025 for violation of Republic Act 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act).

Police operatives seized a .38-caliber revolver with six rounds and a 9mm (Taurus G3C Compact) pistol with 16 rounds.

Capt. Jeffrey Delgado, Iloilo City Police Station 2 chief, said the operation was carried out following complaints against Richard for threats and illegal discharge of a firearm.

According to reports, the suspect had been brought before the barangay lupon for threats.

Meanwhile, Richard has questioned the process in implementing the search warrant against him.

He particularly cited that a police operative had allegedly entered a portion of his house before the search warrant was read to him.

Richard also denied that he owned the .38-caliber revolver seized from his house.

He admitted, though, that he owned the pistol, citing that he is a businessman and has authority to own and possess a firearm.

It was gathered that the raiding team did not recover a .45-caliber pistol, which was stated on the search warrant.

Richard said he is planning to file a case against the operatives due to alleged technicalities in the serving of the search warrant.