Gun-wielding rider nabbed in checkpoint

By Jennifer P. Rendon

A motorist was arrested at a police checkpoint in Maasin, Iloilo evening of Aug 27, 2022 for alleged illegal gun possession.

Police identified the suspect as Marvin Mandario, 27, of Barangay Tulahong, Maasin, Iloilo.

Captain Richard Lao, Maasin police chief, said Mandario was with his live-in partner and the woman’s niece when he was arrested.

The three came from Tulahong, a far-flung village in Maasin, and were on their way home to Leon when they were flagged down at Barangay Naslo, Maasin.

They just passed by the area as Mandario was looking for a petrol station to gas up.

When he was flagged down, police immediately saw something that was protruding from his waist.

Upon checking, a 12-gauge shotgun loaded with one ammunition was found tucked in his waist.

When asked why he was carrying a firearm, the suspect claimed it was for self-defense.

Mandario said they were looking for his live-in partner’s mother when arrested.

The suspect is now detained and will be charged with violation of Republic Act 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act of 2013).