Fishing boat owner falls in gun raid

By Jennifer P. Rendon

A fishing boat operator was arrested in a firearm raid at his house in Barangay Santa Rita, San Joaquin, Iloilo afternoon of Nov 5, 2022.

Members of San Joaquin Municipal Police Station and the 1st Iloilo Provincial Mobile Force Company served the search warrant against Mariano Baquiano Sr., 67, for alleged violation of Republic Act 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Act).

Recovered during the operation were a homemade caliber .38 revolver; and one ammunition each for caliber .38 revolver, .9mm pistol, and .45 pistol.

Lieutenant Dionisio Estacio, San Joaquin police chief, said they conducted the operation following a complaint lodged against the suspect at the police station.

The complainant alleged that Baquiano threatened them with a handgun.

Based on the report, he was carrying a caliber .45 pistol.

But no such gun was recovered during the raid.

There were also several complaints with the barangay that Baquiano would usually brandish firearms and show them off every time he gets angry.

Baquiano is now detained and will be charged with violation of RA 10591.