Village chief’s husband, tanod arrested in gun raid

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — Two men, including the husband of a village chief, were arrested Tuesday during a gun raid in Hacienda Buenos Aires, Barangay Consing, E.B. Magalona, Negros Occidental, following reports of illegal firearm discharge.

Police identified the suspects as “Patong,” 47, husband of Barangay Consing Captain, and “Ron,” a barangay watchman or tanod.

Police Lt. John Symon Salvani, deputy chief of the E.B. Magalona Municipal Police Station, said a search warrant was issued against Patong based on reports that he was in possession of illegal firearms.

According to the Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR), Patong was allegedly firing a gun and using Ron as his personal security, providing him with an unlicensed firearm.

Intelligence operatives conducted surveillance and verified that no firearm was registered under Patong’s name, which led to the issuance of the search warrant.

During the operation, Ron arrived at Patong’s residence to assist him and was also found carrying an unregistered firearm.

Salvani said a 9 mm firearm was recovered from Ron, while authorities confiscated from Patong two 12-gauge shotguns, a .45 caliber pistol, several rounds of ammunition, 10 empty shells, four magazines, and a live grenade.

He added that the operation was peaceful and that the suspects claimed the firearms were for personal protection.

Charges for illegal possession of firearms, ammunition, and explosives are being prepared against the two suspects.

PRO-NIR said the success of the operation reflects the effectiveness of sustained intelligence work, inter-unit coordination, and disciplined execution on the ground.

The regional office reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing individuals with illegal firearms, dismantling armed groups, and preventing violence before it threatens innocent lives.

“Criminality, intimidation, and the illegal possession of firearms have no place in Negros Island,” the PRO-NIR stated.