Ex-inmate arrested for illegal firearm in Roxas

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz — A former inmate facing a previous illegal drug case was arrested early Thursday morning, Dec. 18, in a police buy-bust operation in Barangay Dumulog here.

Barangay Dumulog Punong Barangay Stephen Medina identified the suspect as Jeric Clarito, 42, a resident of the village, who was arrested at his rest house during the operation.

Police recovered from Clarito one homemade 12-gauge break-action shotgun with one live round of ammunition, along with PHP 3,000 in buy-bust money.

Medina said the suspect had no known enemies and there were no complaints of indiscriminate firing in the area, although residents had noticed unfamiliar individuals frequently visiting his rest house during the early morning hours and allegedly shouting profanities.

To help maintain peace and order, the barangay had earlier deployed patrols in the area where the suspect and his companions were staying, Medina said.

He added that Clarito had been jailed a few months ago for an illegal drug offense.

Clarito is currently under the custody of the Roxas City Police, with charges being prepared against him for violating Republic Act 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.