Soldier nabbed for illegal possession of gun

A SOLDIER is in hot water after he was caught in possession of a gun with marking “PNP property” in a leisure park in Zamboanga city, the police said Wednesday.

The Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO) identified the soldier as Private First Class (PFC) Abdulgafar Taguid-id Jalilul, 38, a member of the Philippine Army and with the 545th Engineer Construction Battalion, 55th Engineering Brigade.

The police said that Jalilul was arrested around 7:30 p.m. Sunday at the Paseo del Mar park.

Jalilul was arrested after he deposited a 9mm pistol with marking “PNP property” to Police Officer 1 Salmia Bakili at the firearms deposit desk of Paseo del Mar, the police said.

Jalilul presented two mission orders, one dated September 10, 2011 and the other January 1, 2012, when asked to show documents authorizing him to carry the firearm.

The police said the mission orders were all issued and signed by Major Nurhussin Hadjaruddin of 545th Engineer Construction Battalion based in Liang, Patikul, Sulu province.

Jalilul claimed the 9mm pistol was pawned to him by his companion, Corporal Ibrahim Habibun Najal, the police said.

A charge for illegal possession of firearms was filed in court on Monday against Jalilul with recommended bail of P60,000, the police said.

The accused was released after posting the required bail bond, the police added. (Bong Garcia)