Farmer nabbed in gun raid

By Jennifer P. Rendon

A farmer was arrested in a firearm raid early morning of March 17 at his house in Sitio Acacia, Barangay Bagacay, San Rafael, Iloilo.

The 63-year-old Joevy Besueno had just woken up when police knocked on his door around 6:40 a.m. Friday.

Members of the San Rafael Municipal Police Station, 2nd Iloilo Provincial Mobile Force Company, Iloilo Police Provincial Office-Provincial Intelligence Unit (IPPO-PIU, and Lemery and San Enrique police stations implemented Search Warrant No 2023-004 against the suspect.

Executive Judge Oscar Leo Billena of the Regional Trial Court 6 (RTC-6) Branch 66, Barotac Viejo, Iloilo issued the arrest warrant on March 23, 2023.

Recovered during the operation were a caliber .45 pistol (serial number 522134), two magazines, and seven live ammunition.

Lieutenant General Buena, San Rafael police chief, said that they raided Besueno’s house following several complaints from residents in the area.

A complaint was booked against him after he allegedly poked a gun at a man while at a funeral wake.

Residents also claimed that he was involved in indiscriminate firing whenever he was under the influence of liquor.

“When we checked with the Firearms and Explosives Office, no firearm was licensed under his name,” Buena said.

Besueno is now detained and will be charged for violation of Republic Act 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act).