Hinigaran rescuer nabbed in illegal firearms raid

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — A 45-year-old local rescuer was arrested in a gun raid in Barangay Bato, Hinigaran, Negros Occidental on Tuesday following reports of alleged brandishing of a firearm and threats.

Authorities served a search warrant for violation of Republic Act 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, against “Panoy,” a personnel of the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.

Police Lt. Col. Jovil Sedel, chief of the Hinigaran Municipal Police Station, said the suspect claimed the firearm was for his personal use.

Sedel said the suspect was the subject of complaints for allegedly illegally discharging a firearm whenever he was intoxicated, causing alarm and fear in the community.

Operatives conducted casing and surveillance operations to validate the reports, which later turned out positive.

Police confiscated during the operation a chrome-finished Colt MK IV Series 80 caliber .45 pistol, a chrome-finished magazine assembly for a caliber .45 pistol, and three rounds of .45 caliber ammunition.

Firearms verification revealed that the suspect was not a licensed firearm holder, according to the Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region.

The operation was part of the region’s intensified campaign against loose firearms.

The regional office reaffirmed its commitment to relentlessly pursue individuals who threaten public safety through illegal firearms.