Fishpond caretaker in gunrunning yarn falls in police raid

By Jennifer P. Rendon 

A fishpond caretaker was arrested after police raided his house in Ajuy, Iloilo morning of July 8.

Firearms and ammunition were seized from the house of Anthony Animas, 43, at the NHA People’s Village in Barangay Luca, Ajuy.

Members of Ajuy Municipal Police Station, together with Iloilo Police Provincial Office – Provincial Special Operations Group (IPPO-PSOG), IPPO Provincial Intelligence Unit, and other law-enforcement units, led the operation by virtue of Search Warrant No. 2023-017 for violation of Republic 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act).

Executive Judge Oscar Leo Billena of the Regional Trial Court Branch 70 in Barotac Viejo, Iloilo issued the search warrant against the suspect.

Recovered during the operation were a caliber .38 revolver, a homemade M16 revolver, a caliber .45 caliber pistol (serial number 766226), a magazine and ammunitions for a caliber .45 pistol, ammunition for a caliber .38 revolver and M16 rifle, and a gold ring.

Lieutenant General Enrique Robles, Ajuy police chief, said the police searched the victim’s house following complaints that he was into gunrunning.

Reports indicated that he sold firearms to clients in Ajuy town.

But apart from gunrunning, Robles said there had been no complaint against the suspect for illegal discharge of firearm and gun poking.

He was not also on the watchlist for any criminal activity.

Robles said Animas initially resisted arrest but later gave in.

Animas is now detained and will be charged for violation of RA 10591.