Ex-Village Officials Arrested in Lambunao Gun Raids

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Two former village officials were arrested in separate firearm raids on the morning of April 7 in Lambunao, Iloilo.

Police identified the suspects only by their aliases: Benito, 57, a former barangay captain, and Jolly, a former barangay kagawad of Binaba-an Portigo, Lambunao.

Members of the 601st Regional Mobile Force Company arrested Benito around 4:20 a.m. Monday.

The same team raided Jolly’s home at 8:16 a.m.

The operations were conducted under the authority of Search Warrant Numbers 25-08 and 25-09.

Judge Gemalyn Faunillo-Tarol of the Regional Trial Court Branch 76 in Januiay, Iloilo issued the warrants on April 3, 2025.

Police recovered a homemade 12-gauge shotgun loaded with two rounds, a magazine for a 9mm pistol with 13 bullets, and 12 additional bullets for a 9mm pistol from Benito’s home.

In Jolly’s residence, officers seized a loaded .38 caliber revolver with three bullets, three more rounds and two spent shells for the same firearm, a .45 caliber pistol with a magazine containing five rounds, a sling bag, five more 12-gauge shotgun shells, and a hand grenade.

Maj. Oman Bryndell Estabillo, commander of the 601st Regional Mobile Force Company, said they received reports that the suspects frequently fired their guns while intoxicated.

However, residents were afraid to report the incidents to the barangay lupon or local police.

Both suspects are now in custody and will face charges for violating Republic Act 10591, the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.

Jolly will also be charged for violating Republic Act 9516 for illegal possession of explosives.