Construction worker nabbed in Roxas City gun bust

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz — A construction worker was arrested in a gun buy-bust operation in Barangay San Jose here on the evening of April 9.

The operation was led by Police Maj. Narciso Sables Jr. under the supervision of PCol. Donnel Regis of the Roxas City police.

Police identified the suspect as Nathaniel Monarca, 27, a resident of Angelville Housing Projects in Barangay San Jose and a native of Barangay 9 here.

Recovered from the suspect were one .20-caliber firearm, one live round of ammunition, and PHP 2,000 in marked money.

San Jose Punong Barangay Albert Calipayan said they had been monitoring the suspect’s illegal activities before the operation was conducted.

He confirmed the suspect was on the Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council watch list.

“I was surprised that aside from being involved in illegal drugs, the suspect was also engaged in illegal gun trade,” Calipayan said.

Monarca is under the custody of the Roxas City police while charges for violating Republic Act 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, are being prepared.

RA 10591 governs the ownership, possession, manufacture, and trade of firearms and ammunition in the Philippines, with penalties ranging from imprisonment to fines depending on the nature of the violation.