THE chairman of Barangay Mabantao, Kapalong, Davao del Norte and his barangay watchmen (tanod) were arrested for illegal possession of firearms and violation of the election gun ban during the service of a search warrant.
Davao Police Regional Office (PRO-11) Regional Director Marcelo C. Morales said the barangay officials were arrested around 9 p.m. on March 1 during an operation of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RMFB11), Regional Intelligence Division (RID 11), and Kapalong Municipal Police Station (MPS).
The suspects were identified as Edgar Allan Valdez Quilla, barangay captain and a resident of Purok Sampalok, Barangay Mabantao, Kapalong, Davao del Norte. He was arrested after being served a search warrant for violation of Republic Act 10591 known as the “Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act“.
Police said they seized from him one unit of caliber .45 Colt MK IV pistol; one unit caliber .45 Norinco 1911; six pieces caliber .45 magazine; 47 caliber .45 ammunition; 45 pieces caliber .9mm ammunition; three caliber .38 ammunition; four caliber .22 ammunition; and one caliber .380 ammunition.
Aside from Quilla, a certain Rolando Sumbilon Pamat, barangay tanod who was present during the actual service of search warrant, was likewise handcuffed for possessing one unit caliber .38 revolver loaded with six live ammunition.
Charges for violation of RA 10591 and violation of the Omnibus Election Code gun ban will be filed against the arrested suspects.
As the midterm elections draw near, Morales said they are committed to their campaign against unlicensed firearms to ensure a peaceful and orderly election.
“Rest assured that Police Regional Office 11 will continue to run after those illegal owners or holders of unlicensed firearms to intensify our campaign in curbing gun-related crimes and establishing effective firearms control especially for a safe 2019 Midterm Elections," Morales said.