• RICHARD T. CABALLERO JR.
The Police Regional Office Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) has conducted successful operations resulting in the seizure of multiple high-powered firearms, ammunition, and an explosive device in Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental.
The first operation was carried out by EB Magalona Municipal Police Station at Hda. Buenos Aires, Brgy. Consing, EB Magalona, Negros Occidental. This led to the arrest of alias Patong, 47, and alias Ron, a Barangay Tanod of the same barangay.
Recovered from the suspects’ possession were two units of 12-gauge shotguns, one caliber .45 pistol, one 9mm revolver, 43 live ammunition rounds, four firearm magazines of various calibers, and one live grenade with its pin.
The operation was prompted by reports from residents alleging that Patong, the husband of a former Barangay Captain, was firing his firearm and utilizing a barangay tanod as a personal protector in his illegal activities, all while possessing an unlicensed firearm.
Verification revealed that no firearm was registered under Patong’s name. This prompted authorities to apply for a search warrant, which was subsequently granted.
During the execution of the warrant, Ron, the barangay tanod, was at Patong’s residence, armed with an unregistered firearm. Both individuals were arrested during the operation.
Meanwhile, in Purok Sto. Niño, Brgy. Buntis, Bacong, Negros Oriental, a separate operation resulted in the arrest of alias Rum, 31.
Recovered during this operation were one .38 caliber revolver and eight live rounds of ammunition.
Police investigations indicated that Rum was in possession of the .38 revolver and, along with his cohorts, was allegedly involved in several robbery incidents in the area.
All suspects are now in police custody and will face charges under RA 10591, otherwise known as the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
PRO-NIR emphasizes that these successful operations demonstrate the effectiveness of sustained intelligence work, inter-unit coordination, and disciplined execution on the ground.
The agency remains committed to its mission of aggressively targeting illegal firearms, dismantling armed threats, and preventing violence that endangers innocent lives.*
