Village councilor probed over viral gun video

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz — The Roxas City Police Station is investigating a barangay councilor from Barangay VII after a video showing him carrying an unidentified long firearm went viral on social media.

Lt. Col. Rogelio L. Tomagtang Jr., officer-in-charge of the Roxas City Police Station, said police immediately tried to locate Barangay Kagawad Rolando Luda, the complainant and the person who uploaded the video.

Police said they failed to locate Luda and the firearm he allegedly carried.

Tomagtang said police are coordinating with the Regional Civil Security Unit in Western Visayas to verify whether the firearm is covered by a License to Own and Possess Firearm under Luda’s name.

“We are currently gathering evidence against Luda”, the police chief said.

Police investigators said a failed settlement over a land dispute between Luda and resident Lorlyn Distor at the barangay hall could have been the motive for Luda allegedly carrying a long firearm.

Punong Barangay Nilo Diestro said Luda and Distor went to the barangay hall to settle the dispute.

Diestro said Luda, a former village chief of Barangay VII, did not agree to the condition presented by Distor.

Under Philippine firearms regulations, ownership and possession of firearms require proper licensing, while carrying firearms outside a residence is subject to separate legal requirements and permits.