Former barangay captain arrested in gun raid

By Jennifer P. Rendon

A former barangay official was arrested during a firearm raid early on August 25 in Lambunao, Iloilo.

The suspect, identified as Julius Pedroso, 56, a former barangay captain of Barangay Cabunlawan, Lambunao, was apprehended by members of the 603rd Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RMFB) 6, in coordination with the Lambunao Municipal Police Station.

The raid took place at around 3:19 a.m. on Sunday.

The operation was conducted by virtue of Search Warrant No. 24-22, issued by Judge Gemalyn Faunillo-Tarol of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 76, Janiuay, Iloilo, on August 21, 2024.

Police recovered a caliber .45 Colt 1911 pistol without a serial number, a homemade single-shot caliber .45, and five magazines for a caliber .45 pistol.

They also seized various ammunition and empty shells for a caliber .45 pistol, caliber .30, caliber 9mm pistol, carbine, caliber .22 revolver, and an M16 Armalite rifle.

Additional items recovered included three deformed slugs, a slug for an M16 rifle, two holsters, a black magazine pouch, and two sling bags.

Major Norbert Sipole, 603rd Company commander, stated that they had received complaints against Pedroso for alleged illegal discharge of a firearm and gun poking.

The suspect is currently detained and will be charged with violations of Republic Act 10591, also known as the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.