AN INCUMBENT village chief and a councilor in Talakag, Bukidnon, were arrested for illegal possession of guns and explosives on Thursday morning, June 21.
Authorities nabbed Dominorog barangay chairman Joel Valendez and councilman Benoni Valendez, including a certain Aldine Jay Valendez.
Through a lawful search, authorities seized a caliber 40 pistol, fragmentary Delay M61 grenade and several ammos and gun accessories from the barangay captain.
Confiscated from Ardine Jay were a 12GA shotgun, fragmentation hand grenade, three cellophane packs containing suspected dried marijuana leaves, and other personal belongings.
Recovered from Benoni were an improvised shotgun, M1 garand rifle, M203 grenade and several live bullets.
Police investigation revealed that the village chief allegedly heads the Valendez Criminal gang and armed group believed to be responsible in gun for hire, extortion and gun-running activities.
Authorities are also investigating their possible involvements in other crimes.
The arrested suspects are now detained and will face charges for illegal possession of firearms (Republic Act 10591) and explosives (Republic Act 9516).
Chief Superintendent Timoteo Pacleb, Police Regional Office (PRO)-Northern Mindanao director, said the arrest was to show the strong commitment of the police to the order of President Rodrigo Duterte and police chief in eliminating criminal elements involved in illegal drugs and other illicit activities.
"We enjoined everyone in the community to give their full support to our personnel by giving information of any illegal activities. PRO-10 under my watch will go after lawless violators in the region," Pacleb said.