Man with gun nabbed in Radaza’s residence

CEBU, Philippines - A 50-year-old man, who went to Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Paz Radaza’s house last Saturday for the barangay fiesta, was arrested instead after he was found carrying an unlicensed firearm.

Radaza’s security personnel arrested Wilfredo Abapo, a resident of Barangay Labangon, Cebu City, around 1:20 p.m. last Saturday after he tried to get inside the mayor’s house in Sitio Mactan Proper, Barangay Mactan, Lapu-Lapu City.

Radaza, in an interview, said she was just grateful that her security personnel were able to intercept and arrest Abapo.

She said that they have not received any report or threat of an attempt on her life.

In their investigation, Police Officer 3 Samuel Evalle of the Lapu-Lapu City Police Office (LCPO) - Station 5 said Abapo went to Radaza’s house to eat together with a friend, since lunch was served in her house in line with the barangay fiesta.

When Abapo was about to pass through the gate, security personnel Alex Pelarion and his son, Alex Rey Pelarion, requested the suspect to open his sling bag, which was just part of their routine inspection.

Abapo reportedly hesitated, which made the Pelarions to grow more suspicious about what was inside the sling bag.

Evalle said Abapo’s hesitation prompted both security personnel to demand, since it is their standard protocol for the visitors who are going inside Radaza's residence to undergo the security check.

Abapo eventually gave in and submitted his sling bag for inspection.

Both security personnel found a .38 revolver with four live ammunition inside the bag.

When Alex Rey asked Abapo if he has a license to carry the firearm, the latter failed to present the necessary documents.

Alex Rey then called the police for assistance.

Evalle said Abapo claimed that he was carrying a gun for "self-protection," claiming that he allegedly has an enemy that got jealous with him and his girlfriend.

Abapo was detained at the LCPO holding cell and will face charges for violating Republic Act 1059 or illegal possession of firearms and ammunition. (FREEMAN)