7 armed men arrested

CEBU, Philippines — Seven members of an alleged private armed group were arrested by personnel of the Talisay City Police after a concerned citizen reported their presence in Zone 1, Barangay Mananga, Talisay City, on Friday afternoon.

Superintendent Marlu Conag, Talisay City Police chief, identified the suspects as Raychan Rodriguez, 31; Domingo del Campo, 45; Richard Monsanto, 41; Dexter Noynay, 43; Jose Winny Coronel, 44; Fel Jun Edaño, 27; and Arvin Castro, 40, all are residents of Barangay Lahug, Cebu City.

Conag said that a concerned citizen reported to their station about the presence of armed men, when police responded to the report they found that the suspects indeed carried guns.

Five .45 cal. pistols, a .40 cal. pistol, and a 9mm pistol as well as magazines were seized from the suspects.

The suspects were able to present documents showing they could own and possess a firearm, but they were arrested after they could not present a Permit to Carry Firearms Outside Residence.

Conag said there was an alleged business dispute in the area where the armed men were sighted by the citizens, causing fear.

“Bale ang usapan sa naniningil is if wala pambayad ang may utang ay kukunin nalang lahat ng displayed furnitures pero noong dumating sila wala na mga displays,” said Conag.

The arrested suspects are now facing charges for violating Section 31 of Republic Act 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Act. —/BRP (FREEMAN)