Transport operator flaunts gun on FB, nabbed in raid

CEBU, Philippines - A businessman was arrested after allegedly flaunting his unlicensed firearm in social media and in their neighborhood at Sitio Opra, Barangay Kalunasan, Cebu City Tuesday evening.

Operatives of the Crime Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG)-7, who got a search warrant RTC 18 Judge Gilbert Moises has issued, raided and arrested Mark Anthony Boyo, 32, also a resident of the area.

Boyo runs a van-for-hire transport business. Confiscated from him were a .45 caliber firearm and two live ammunitions.

The FREEMAN attempted to get his side but the suspect refused to comment.

CIDG-7 Deputy Regional Chief Hector Amancia said that it was Boyo’s neighbors who reported that the suspect would flaunt his unlicensed firearm in the community.

Amancia said Boyo is not a member of Task Force Alpha, a group of volunteer traffic enforcers recruited by the city government to help enforce traffic laws, as the suspect reportedly claimed earlier.

He said it is the primary duty of the police officers to confiscate any unlicensed firearm even without reports from the residents.

“I would like to reiterate bisag naa pay complaint or wa, it is the duty of the police to confiscate loose firearms. Part na sa atong trabaho gyud,” Amancia said.

Amancia added that majority of the crimes committed were particularly due to the lack of a license to own a firearm and encouraged responsible gun ownership, by renewing licenses.

The suspect is now in police custody for inquest proceeding and filing of the charge in violation to Republic Act 10591 known as Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, while evidence has been properly marked for proper evidence tracking. (FREEMAN)