AN ALLEGED explosives supplier was collared by the Baguio City Police Office while four assorted firearms, two hand grenades and 14 ammunition for different calibers where confiscated by Cordillera police in separate operations.
Absolom Pangdaw Bautista, 47, married, self-employed and residing at no. 140 Purok 20, Idogon Village, San Carlos Heights, Baguio City was arrested by the police on May 11 for violation of Republic Act 9516 or the unlawful possession of explosives or incendiary devices
Confiscated from his possession are 175 pieces of dynamites, some 15 sacks of ammonium nitrate, and one roll of detonating cord.
Meanwhile, from May 7 to 13, the Police Regional Office–Cordillera (PRO-COR) confiscated several firearms including two hand grenades and several ammunitions for different calibers while arresting three suspects.
Vic Edelito Duarna Murillo, 48, of Riverside, Camp 6, Tuba, Benguet was collared for violating Comelec gun ban and grave threats.
Confiscated from Murillo is an unlicensed cal. 38 without serial number loaded with six bullets and two hand grenades.
In another operation, personnel of La Trinidad Municipal Police Station arrested Nelson Inagcong Sumerwe, 52, of Piripin Bato, Pico, La Trinidad, Benguet in the evening of May 11, 2018.
Confiscation from Sumerwe is a cal. 45 with serial number 2644520 and an inserted magazine loaded with eight ammunitions.
Two caliber .45 were also recovered at a poultry shop at Sitio Lidliddaac, Macray, Bangued, Abra used in a shooting incident leading to the arrest of a minor.
PRO-COR regional director Chief Superintendent Edward Carranza said the PNP’s campaign against loose firearms will continue to deter the proliferation of loose firearms and appealed for the full support of the community.
Carranza added the apparent decrease in the confiscation of firearms is a result of PRO-COR’s intensive operations against loose firearms.