Theft suspect caught with unlicensed gun in Roxas City

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz — A theft suspect was arrested Sunday afternoon, Aug. 24, in a buy-bust operation conducted by police at Sitio Gaba, Barangay Banica, Roxas City.

Police identified the suspect as Noljohn Prado, a resident of Andrada Subdivision in Barangay Banica.

According to Barangay Banica Kagawad Manuel Bigay, the suspect had been in and out of the Roxas City Crisis Center since age 15 due to alleged involvement in illegal activities.

Prior to his arrest, Prado’s father turned over a Suzuki Smash motorcycle that had been taken from its owner, Agapito Abawan of Barangay Lacaron, Dao, Capiz.

Police records showed that Prado was also linked to a store burglary in Barangay Basiao, Ivisan, Capiz, where an iPhone XR was reportedly stolen.

Bigay said Prado had long been a source of concern in the community because of repeated illegal acts.

Recovered from the suspect during the buy-bust were one unit of a .38-caliber revolver loaded with three live rounds and PHP4,000 in marked money.

The suspect is currently in the custody of the Roxas City Police Station.

He will face charges for violating Republic Act 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.