Unlicensed gun seized from construction worker

By Jennifer P. Rendon

From a simple misdemeanor of not wearing a face mask, a construction worker found himself in deeper quandary.

Ernesto Cañete, 54, a native of Barangay Salngan, Passi City, Iloilo, and temporarily residing at Barangay Tagbac, Jaro, iloilo City, was caught without a face mask on while walking at Metropolis Subdivision at Barangay Bitoon, Jaro.

Members of Jaro Police Station conducting patrol operations caught Cañete around 10:30 p.m. of June 5, 2021.

Staff Sergeant Saturnino dela Cruz Jr., the investigator on case, said the team of Lieutenant Wence Alcober were conducting a saturation drive to enforce Iloilo City’s regulation ordinances when they nabbed Cañete.

Patrolman Abella alighted from the vehicle in a bid to issue a citation ticket against the suspect.

When Cañete opened his sling bag, the police officer saw a handgun.

They later frisked the suspect and confiscated a caliber .38 revolver loaded with an ammunition and two empty shells.

The suspect failed to present valid licenses for his gun.

Cañete allegedly told investigators that he carried a firearm for his personal safety.

The suspect is now detained and will be charged for violation of Republic Act 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act).