Police nab senior for alleged illegal firearms manufacturing

CEBU, Philippines — A 72-year-old man was arrested after police allegedly caught him illegally manufacturing firearms during an operation in a mountainous village in Danao City, Cebu on Saturday afternoon, August 1.

According to police, the suspect, identified only by his alias “Titing,” was arrested for alleged violation of Republic Act No. 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, after he failed to present documents authorizing him to manufacture firearms.

The operation was conducted at around 3:20 p.m. in Purok 4, sitio Buntod, Barangay Manlayag by personnel of the Danao City Police Station.

According to police, the operation stemmed from information provided by a concerned citizen. The station’s duty desk officer received a telephone call at around 2:30 p.m. from an individual who reported that a man was allegedly manufacturing firearms in Barangay Manlayag.

Acting on the report, responding officers proceeded to the area to verify the information. Police said authorities found the suspect inside an open hut while manufacturing a firearm.

Officers asked the 72-year-old to present documents authorizing him to manufacture firearms, but he failed to produce any, resulting in his arrest.

Recovered from the suspect were an alleged KG-9 firearm, four live rounds of 9mm ammunition, four magazines, and several firearm components and tools allegedly used in the manufacture of firearms.

Among the recovered items were 30 steel piles, two bench vises, two hammers, one vice grip, one adjustable wrench, one pair of pliers, two magazine patterns, one L-shape tool, one Allen wrench, three KG-9 lower receivers, two hacksaws, one electric grinder, one flat screwdriver, and one latch machine.

The recovered items, along with the suspect, were brought to the Danao City Police Station for documentation and proper disposition.

As of Monday, August 3, the suspect remained in police custody while authorities prepared the complaint for filing before the City Prosecutor’s Office.

Meanwhile, the Police Regional Office in Central Visayas (PRO-7) honored four police personnel for their successful anti-illegal drug operations during the Monday flag raising and awarding ceremony held at Camp Sergio Osmeña Sr. in Cebu City.

The recognition was given in acknowledgment of their exemplary performance and significant contributions to the intensified campaign against illegal drugs in the region.

Two personnel from the PRO-7 Regional Headquarters received the Medalya ng Kadakilaan for the successful arrest of a High-Value Individual (HVI) during a buy-bust operation in Consolacion, Cebu.

Authorities confiscated suspected shabu with an estimated value of P3.4 million during the operation, which the agency described as a significant blow to the illegal drug trade in the area.

The same award was also conferred on two personnel from the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) for the successful arrest of another HVI during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Basak San Nicolas, Cebu City.

The operation resulted in the confiscation of suspected shabu worth about P2.7 million, further strengthening the Philippine National Police’s campaign against illegal drugs, PRO-7 said.

The regional police office said it hopes the recognition will continue to inspire its personnel to remain committed to the fight against criminality and to deliver responsive, professional, and effective police service to the people of Central Visayas. — (FREEMAN)