Ex-convict arrested in Iloilo gun raid

By Jennifer P. Rendon

A former convict was arrested again following a gun raid on the morning of September 22 in Batad, Iloilo.

Police raided the house of 40-year-old Bernabe Alkonga in Barangay Poblacion, Batad, at around 6:50 a.m. on Sunday.

The operation was conducted by the Batad Municipal Police Station, along with personnel from the 2nd Iloilo Provincial Mobile Force Company and the Iloilo Police Provincial Office’s Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (IPPO-PDEU) Team 3.

The raid was authorized by a search warrant issued by Judge Oscar Leo A. Billena of the Regional Trial Court Branch 70 in Barotac Viejo, Iloilo.

Authorities recovered a caliber .45 pistol, a caliber .38 revolver, a homemade 12-gauge shotgun, two sling bags, four rounds of ammunition for a caliber .45 pistol, and two rounds of ammunition for the shotgun.

Batad Police Chief Captain Ma. Rosela Buenvenida said the raid followed several complaints against the suspect but did not disclose specific details to protect the identities of the complainants.

Alkonga, who is currently on probation after being granted parole, was previously arrested for violating Republic Act 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act) several years ago.

He was released from incarceration earlier this year.

Buenvenida also noted that Alkonga had a previous murder case, which he was able to settle.

He is now back in custody and will face new charges under RA 10591.