Four Negrenses, including a father and his son, were arrested in two separate operations for violation of the Commission in Elections (COMELEC) Gun Ban in San Enrique and Victorias City, Negros Occidental, on Saturday and Sunday, May 10 and 11.
The police said that Ronie Gonzales, 32, and Aljun Gonzales, 33, of Sitio Pasil, Brgy. Taba-ao Baybay, San Enrique, were arrested early Sunday morning.
The operation was launched after the police received a report from a concerned citizen of armed individuals present in the area.
The police responded and apprehended the suspects after spotting firearms in plain view constituting to a search incidental to arrest.
Recovered from them were a .45 caliber pistol, a 357 Smith and Wesson revolver, ammunition, a handheld radio, two belt bags, and pouches, the police said.
The suspects, who are detained at the San Enrique police station, will be charged for violation of the Republic Act 10591 in relation to COMELEC Gun Ban.
Meanwhile, illegal firearms and explosives were seized from Ricardo Pedroso Jr., 57, and his son Marvin, 27, in Sitio Cansilayan, Brgy. 11, Victorias City, on Saturday.
The Victorias police in cooperation with the 65th Special Action Company, 6th Special Action Battalion, implemented a search warrant operation against Ricardo for alleged violation of Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act and R.A. 9516 or Codifying the Laws on Illegal/Unlawful Possession, Manufacture, Dealing in, Acquisition or Disposition of Firearms, Ammunition, or Explosives or Instruments used in the Manufacture of Firearms, Ammunition or Explosives.
The warrant was issued by Regional Trial Court Branch 40 Executive Judge Dyna Doll Chiongson-Trocio in Silay City.
The police said they recovered a para ordnance P7-45 pistol with magazine, .22 caliber revolver, improvised shotgun, ammunition, a MK26 hand grenade, and a 400mm M203 high explosive cartridge.
During the same operation, Ricardo’s son, Marvin Pedroso, 27, was arrested after he emerged from a nearby residence armed with a .38 caliber revolver with three rounds of ammunition.
The confiscated firearms and explosives will undergo forensic examination at the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office- Provincial Forensic Unit in Bacolod City.
The suspects are now detained at the Victorias City Police Station.*