Guns, ammos seized from ‘gunmaker’

By Jennifer P. Rendon

 

Firearms and ammunition were seized from a security guard-turned-firearm manufacturer in a raid early morning of Oct 8, 2020 in Miag-ao, Iloilo.

Police identified the suspect as Joemarie Arro, 53, a resident of Barangay Aguiauan, Miagao town.

Members of Miag-ao Police Station and the Regional Intelligence Division swooped Arro’s house by the strength of Search Warrant No. 12-2020 issued by Executive Judge Nelita Jesusa Bacaling of the Regional Trial Court Branch 72, Guimbal, Iloilo dated Oct 7, 2020.

Recovered from the suspect was a 12-gauge shotgun; five barrels of 12-gauge shotgun; an unknown firearm caliber; a homemade caliber .38 pistol with magazine; five air guns; seven caliber .38 revolvers; and 12 assorted firearm magazines.

Also seized were ammunitions for caliber 5.56 rifle, caliber .45 pistol, 12-gauge shotgun, and caliber .9mm pistol.

Police operatives also seized 7.62x33m live ammunition, assorted tools, and a press drill.

Captain Joevito Bose, Miag-ao police chief, said the suspect used to work as a security guard but he went into the manufacture of firearms during the community quarantine.

Bose said the suspect allegedly catered to New People’s Army members.

Residents were able to also buy guns from the suspect, Bose said.

Arro is now detained and will be charged for violation of Republic Act 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act).