Cops nab 5 men, seize guns

CAMP OLIVAS -- Five persons were arrested while several high-powered firearms were confiscated during a checkpoint along MacArthur Highway in San Fernando City Thursday.

City’s police chief Ricardo David identified the arrested persons as Ivan Gopiao, a resident of Dolores Homesite, City of San Fernando; Dennis Daleda; Paulo Trinidad; Rolly Geronimo; and Arman Italyo -- all residents of Talababa Tabing Dagat, Bacoor, Cavite.

David said seized from the arrested persons were one M-16 rifle, two .45 caliber pistols, one caliber .40 pistol, and assorted bullets.

David said his men headed by Senior Inspector Danilo Manalang flagged down a brand new black Toyota Fortuner in a checkpoint in Barangay Dolores, San Fernando City.

He said they are still verifying whether the confiscated firearms have pertinent documents. David, however, said that whether the firearms have licenses, they still violated the gun ban implementation of the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

He said his office has coordinated with the Cavite Provincial Police Office if the four arrested have criminal records.

The arrested persons are temporarily detained at PNP Community Police Center pending their inquest at the City Prosecutor’s Office.

“We are still verifying with the Land Transportation Office and with the Highway Patrol Group if the Toyota Fortuner is listed among hot vehicles,” David said.

He further said that he could not verify if they belong to a criminal group. (Ric Sapnu)