OPERATIVES of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Cebu Provincial Field Unit dismantled an alleged homemade firearm (paltik) operation in Sitio Lantawan, Barangay Cahumayan, Danao City, early
Friday morning.
The raid, conducted between 2:01 a.m. and 4:33 a.m. on April 25, 2025, resulted in the arrest of Alejandro Castro Jr., 46, the subject of a court-issued search warrant. He is currently detained at the CIDG 7 custodial facility.
Police Lieutenant Colonel Randy Korret led the CIDG operation, which was based on a warrant issued by the Honorable Judge Ma. Josefa Pinza Ramos of Branch 90 of the Danao City Regional Trial Court. The warrant was for a violation of Republic Act 10591, specifically concerning the unlawful manufacture of firearms.
During the raid on Castro’s residence, authorities recovered four .45 caliber pistols, their corresponding magazines, and one .38 caliber revolver, along with several rounds of live ammunition.
According to the CIDG, the operation was based on information obtained from previously apprehended individuals who identified Barangay Cahumayan as a source of illegal firearms. Subsequent surveillance by the CIDG-Cebu Provincial Field Unit identified Castro as the alleged
gun maker.
The CIDG-7 stated that the operation was part of their intensified efforts to seize loose firearms in Central Visayas as the May 12, 2025 National and Local Elections draw near. The aim is to prevent these illegal weapons from falling into the hands of criminal elements.
Authorities said an investigation is ongoing, with other potential locations of illegal firearm manufacturing in Central Visayas currently under surveillance. The operation is part of the CIDG’s flagship program, “Oplan Paglalansag Omega.” / AYB