Man with grenade launcher nabbed

A man initially tagged as a member of the New People’s Army (NPA) sent residents into terror and panic after he was seen openly lugging an armed grenade launcher in the neighborhood yesterday in Caloocan City.

Chief Inspector Jose Valecia, investigation bureau chief, identified the suspect as Sonny Castro, 38, a native of Cebu City and resident of Pangarap Village, Barangay 181 Caloocan City.

SPO4 Saturnino Castro, SPO2 Gerry Sta. Maria and PO3 Ferdinand Hernandez, all of PCP 18, Substation 5 and members of the apprehending team seized Castro’s improvised rifle and a live M-203 grenade.

Records showed that alarmed residents sought assistance from the police after they saw the suspect with his firearm at around 4:30 p.m. last Monday in the neighborhood.

Valecia said Castro is being further investigated even as charges are being readied against him for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition. – Jerry Botial