Ex-tanod charged over illegal gun possession

By Jennifer P. Rendon

A former barangay tanod is facing criminal charges for illegal possession of firearms following his arrest on Jan. 13 in San Enrique, Iloilo.

The suspect, identified only by the alias Rico, 48, of Barangay Braulan, San Enrique, was charged Wednesday before the Iloilo Provincial Prosecutor’s Office.

He was charged with violation of Republic Act No. 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, in relation to Republic Act No. 7610, or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act.

Police said Rico was placed under citizen’s arrest after he was caught brandishing a loaded 12-gauge shotgun.

San Enrique police chief Lt. Christy Val Dalde said the incident began when Rico was binge drinking near a billiard joint adjacent to his house.

Dalde said the suspect allegedly summoned a 10-year-old boy who was playing nearby and ordered him to fetch drinking water from the house of the boy’s uncle.

The boy allegedly refused because the house was nearby, which angered the suspect.

Police said Rico then went home and retrieved his firearm, allegedly to threaten the child.

“But a resident was able to disarm him and turned over his firearm to barangay officials,” Dalde said.

The suspect was later arrested and detained at the police station.

Dalde said Rico has no prior criminal record.