Dismissed cop eyes envy behind gun raid

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz – Former police officer Meldin Frias believes that envy was behind last week’s police-led raid on his house at Brgy. Duran Dumalag, Capiz where a cache of high-powered firearms and several ammunitions were recovered.

In a radio interview, Frias accused his siblings of reporting to the authorities about the firearms as they were not on good terms.

Frias said that he is a good person and has no record in their village that he indiscriminately fired his gun.

He said that he is also an active member of the church even as he expressed readiness to face whatever charges to be filed against him.

High-powered firearms and ammunitions were recovered by the police in a raid early morning of Sept. 28 at Brgy. Duran Dumalag, Capiz.

The joint operation of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), Provincial Mobile Force Company, Regional Mobile Force Battalion and PNP Maritime swooped down on the house of Frias, a dismissed member of the Philippine National Police.

Recovered from Frias’ house were:

• 1 unit of 12 gauge shotgun, magazine and ammunitions;
• 1 unit Glock 40, 3 magazines, ammunitions and Roni kit;
• 1 unit of cal. 45 pistol, magazine, and ammunitions;
• 2 unit silencers;
• 1 unit 9mm KG9 with 2 pieces of magazines and ammunitions;
• Magazine and ammunitions for M16;
• 1 unit of bulletproof vest.

Frias was not at his house when the search warrant issued by Judge Judith Orendain – Tonogbanua of Regional Trial Court in Mambusao, Capiz was implemented.

It was learned that some of the firearms have valid licenses.

Meanwhile, police are preparing to file charges for violation of RA 10591 or Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunitions against Frias.

The case will be filed through regular filing, said PLt. Danilo A. Matahum, Officer-in-Charge of CIDG Capiz.