Ex-mayoralty bet nabbed for unlicensed gun, drugs

CEBU, Philippines —  A former mayoralty candidate of Medellin town in northern Cebu was arrested for illegal possession of firearms and illegal drugs.

Authorities identified the suspect as Roberto “Robbie” Herrera, 52, a real estate broker and a resident of Unit 20 EF, Tower 3, City Lights Garden, Brgy. Busay, Cebu City.

The Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) of Mabolo Police Station responded after Herrera was reported by the security guard of the condominium for alleged indiscriminate firing.

When authorities arrived, Herrera was found with eight short and long assorted firearms but the firearms reportedly have complete documents. According to Herrera, the unlicensed .45 handgun does not belong to him.

The firearms include two 556 M4 rifles, two shotguns, two 9mm pistol caliber carbines, one Glock 19 and one 1911 .45 cal pistol assorted magazines and ammos, spent cartridge cases and one taser gun.

Authorities also found an alleged one medium-sized heat sealed plastic, allegedly cocaine, and one open plastic black box with one black and silver plastic containing an alleged marijuana and drug paraphernalia at Herrera's unit when they came.

Suspect is now in police custody for proper disposition of the case.

Herrera will face charges of illegal possession of firearms and scandal, and illegal possession of drugs. — Dominic I. Dilao, Correspondent, and Romeo Marantal, GMR (FREEMAN)