High school graduate arrested for gun, grenade

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz — A 25-year-old high school graduate was arrested Monday afternoon, Feb. 2, during a police buy-bust operation in Barangay Sibaguan, this city.

Police identified the suspect as Nathaniel Magbanua, a resident of Barangay Lanot, Roxas City.

The operation was jointly conducted by elements of the Police Intelligence Unit of the Capiz Provincial Police Office and the Roxas City Police Station, led by Police Lt. Col. Arron Villanueva.

Recovered from the suspect by a police poseur-buyer was a .38-caliber revolver without markings or a serial number.

Police also seized two live rounds of 5.56 ammunition, several live rounds for an M16 rifle, a sling bag, an improvised hand grenade, and marked money amounting to PHP 4,400.

Authorities said the possession of high-powered ammunition and an explosive device posed a serious threat to public safety.

The suspect was taken to the Roxas City Police Station for proper disposition.

Charges for violations of Republic Act 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, and Republic Act 9516 were prepared against him.