Farm caretaker nabbed in Antique gun raid

By Jennifer P. Rendon

A caretaker of a swine and poultry farm was arrested during a firearm raid early morning of July 20 in Sibalom, Antique.

The suspect, a 41-year-old identified only as alias Edwin, was apprehended at his workplace in Purok 6, Barangay Egaña, Sibalom.

Members of the Sibalom Municipal Police Station, along with personnel from the Antique Police Provincial Office – Provincial Intelligence Unit (AnPPO-PIU), conducted the operation based on Search Warrant No. 05-003-2025-EJ for violation of Republic Act 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.

The raiding team recovered three homemade caliber .22 PCP rifles, a box of ammunition, and a caliber .9mm KJ 9 pistol with seven bullets.

Major Geremy Ian Magbanua, Sibalom police chief, said authorities are verifying whether the .22 PCP rifles are indeed plain air guns, as the suspect claimed.

It was initially reported that the rifles were air guns convertible to caliber .22 and capable of firing regular bullets.

Magbanua said the operation stemmed from multiple complaints against the suspect for illegal discharge of firearms and gun poking.

He had been reported to the barangay lupon and was issued a certificate to file action.

Edwin claimed the guns were for personal protection, saying he had been harassed and had made enemies.

He is now detained and will face charges for violating RA 10591.