Laborer apprehended and contraband seized in E.B. Magalona raid

By Glazyl Masculino

BACOLOD CITY – A raid in Hacienda Banilad, Barangay Nanca, E.B. Magalona, Negros Occidental, yesterday led to the arrest of a 37-year-old laborer and the seizure of a firearm, ammunition, and suspected shabu with an estimated street value of P612,000.

Police Captain Markelly Laganipa, deputy chief of the E.B. Magalona Municipal Police Station, said the 605th Maneuver Company (MC) of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RMFB)-6 executed a search warrant against Ryan Santillan for breaching Republic Act (RA) 10591, also known as the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.

Laganipa disclosed that community tips triggered the action regarding Santillan’s alleged possession of a loose firearm and involvement in unlawful activities. He noted the absence of an official complaint at the police station, citing the local populace’s apprehension.

During the operation, authorities recovered a .45 caliber pistol, a magazine, and eight live rounds from the suspect.

Laganipa remarked that Santillan has not yet explained his alleged possession of the firearm.

The search also incidentally led to the discovery of 10 sachets of suspected shabu. Consequently, Santillan is now recognized as a newly identified individual in the narcotics scene.

The suspect faces impending charges for illegal possession of a firearm, ammunition, and dangerous drugs.

The operation was a coordinated effort involving the town police force and the 1st Negros Occidental Provincial Mobile Force Company (Nocpmfc).

In a related development, a 61-year-old government employee and his 26-year-old companion were apprehended in a buy-bust operation at Bonifacio Extension, Barangay 4, Silay City, last Tuesday.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Mark Anthony Darroca, the city’s police chief, identified the long-serving street sweeper as a high-value individual, while his companion was described as a street-level suspect.

The duo allegedly had 12 grams of suspected shabu valued at P81,600.