Pa, son nabbed in gun raid

By: Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – A man and his son, who are both councilmen of Barangay Jerusalem in Cadiz City, Negros Occidental were arrested for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition in a simultaneous raid at the said village last Saturday.

Police Major Robert Mansueto, city police chief, identified the suspects as Ronald Leonoras, 50, and his son Ernesto, 25.

Mansueto said the raid was conducted by joint operatives of the intelligence section of Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (Nocppo), Provincial Mobile Force Company, and Cadiz City Police Station, following complaints against the elder Leonaras for alleged threat and illegal discharge of firearm.

Police recovered from Ronald a .45-caliber pistol and a magazine loaded with seven live ammunitions; and a Colt M16 A1 rifle with two short magazines and 24 live ammunitions.

Mansueto said the license of Ronald’s .45-caliber pistol has expired.

He was already reminded to renew his firearm license but he failed to do so, the city police chief added.

Mansueto said Ronald alleged that he was using the firearm to protect himself against threats in relation to a land dispute.

Meanwhile, his son was also arrested after he was reported to have a firearm as well.

Authorities seized from Ernesto a homemade .45-caliber pistol, and a magazine loaded with nine live ammunitions.

Both suspects will be charged for violation of Republic Act 10591 or Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Law.