Farmer nabbed over illegal gun, explosive raps

By Jennifer P. Rendon

A farmer from Cabatuan, Iloilo was arrested over charges of illegal possession of firearm and explosive.

Hopni Crabaño, 44, was collared at his home in Barangay Tupol Central, Cabatuan around 10:30 a.m. of June 5, 2021.

Members of the PNP Anti-Kidnapping Group (AKG) – Visayas Field Unit, together with Cabatuan Police Station served an arrest warrant against Crabaño for violation of Republic Act 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act) in Criminal Case No. 21-1027 and RA 9516 (illegal possession of explosives) in CC No. 21-1028.

Judge Gemalyn Faunillo Tarol of the Regional Trial Court Branch 76 in Janiuay, Iloilo issued the arrest warrant on May 27, 2021.

A bail of P80,000 was recommended for the RA 10591 case while no bail was set for the illegal possession of explosive case.

According to Captain Myles Dieron, Cabatuan police chief, Crabaño was also the subject of a search warrant around two years ago. But he was not present when local police raided his house.

Dieron said they are checking if there are complaints against Crabaño for brandishing a firearm or explosive at their village.

The suspect is now detained at Cabatuan Police Station.