Grenade, illegal firearm seized in Roxas City sting

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz — A 29-year-old vendor was arrested Thursday afternoon, Sept. 3, during a police buy-bust operation under Oplan Paglalansag Omega in Barangay Banica, Roxas City.

Police identified the suspect as Dennis Bunda, single, and a resident of Sitio Bagong Barrio, Barangay Tacas, Pontevedra, Capiz.

The operation was conducted by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Capiz Provincial Field Unit as the lead unit under Police Maj. Andre Marie Angeles, in coordination with the Roxas City police, PIT Capiz, RIU-6, and the Capiz Police Provincial Office-Provincial Intelligence Unit.

The suspect was arrested after allegedly handing a handgun to police poseur-buyer Police Cpl. Edwin B. Andama Jr. at around 4:02 p.m.

Police recovered a Colt MK IV .45-caliber pistol, one steel magazine, and four rounds of live ammunition from the suspect.

Authorities also recovered PHP 100 in marked buy-bust money and PHP 14,900 in boodle money.

During a search incidental to the arrest, police recovered a black belt bag containing a fragmentation hand grenade placed inside a sock.

The search was witnessed by Barangay Banica councilors Roy B. Balmes and Manuel A. Bigay, while two body-worn cameras were used during the operation.

The suspect is under the custody of the CIDG Capiz Provincial Field Unit pending the filing of charges for alleged violations of Republic Act No. 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, and Republic Act No. 9516, which penalizes the unlawful possession of explosives.