Ex-Kagawad Arrested for Illegal Firearm in Maayon

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz – A former barangay kagawad (village councilor) was arrested Friday morning, Feb. 21, for possessing an unlicensed firearm in Maayon, Capiz.

Joel Dela Cruz-Betorin, 42, of Sitio Tawagon, Barangay Carataya, Maayon, is now in the custody of the Maayon Municipal Police Station.

Police arrested the suspect after searching his house under Search Warrant No. 07-2025 for violating Republic Act No. 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.

The operation was conducted by the Maayon Municipal Police Station, Capiz Provincial Police Office – Provincial Intelligence Unit, and the 1st Capiz Provincial Mobile Force Company.

The search warrant was issued by Judge Lorencito B. Diaz, executive judge of the Regional Trial Court, 6th Judicial Region, Branch 17, Roxas City, on Feb. 18, 2025.

Police recovered a 12-gauge homemade shotgun, locally known as a “pugakhang,” a magazine without ammunition, a .38 caliber firearm, and three live rounds.

Police Maj. Syril Punzalan, Maayon police chief, said appropriate charges will be filed against the suspect.

Betorin previously served as a barangay kagawad of Barangay Carataya, Maayon.