Gun raid suspect escapes arrest

By: Jennifer P. Rendon 

THE subject of a firearms raid escaped before police operatives set foot on his home in San Rafael, Iloilo.

Police believed that Noel Cabañal spotted the police officers who were about to conduct the search and seizure operation on his home in Sitio Tucdaw, Bagangay Ilongbukid around 8 a.m. of July 22, 2019.

Police Lieutenant Martin Pugales, San Rafael police chief, said the suspect could see people approaching his house. It is believed that he escaped via a window.

At the back portion of their house was a river, where he believed to have waded through before slithering into a forest.

Police operatives went through with the search and recovered two caliber .45 pistols, a caliber .22 revolver, six magazines and 58 pieces of ammunition for caliber .45 pistol, 49 pieces of ammunition for caliber .22 revolver; and a bullet-proof vest.

Pugales said Cabañal had been a subject of confidential information reaching their office as he was often seen brandishing a handgun in the area.

There were also instances that he indiscriminately fired his gun.

Pugales said they will sue Cabañal for violation of Republic Act 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act).