A FATHER and his 17-year-old son were arrested in Sitio Imbidayan, Barangay Sinugbuhan, San Joaquin, Iloilo for alleged violations of Republic Act (RA) 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act of 2013 on June 16, 2025.
Police Colonel Roland Bulalacao, officer-in-charge of the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (Ippo), said the arrest of alias Dodong, 53, a farmer, and his minor son is a strong message to those in possession of illegal firearms.
“This arrest demonstrates our firm resolve to keep our community safe from criminals and their illegal activities,” he said.
Bulalacao urged individuals possessing illegal firearms or engaging in criminal activities to surrender them immediately or face legal consequences.
The San Joaquin Municipal Police Station (MPS), the Provincial Intelligence Team (PIT)-Iloilo, and Police Lieutenant Colonel Ariel Artillero's 1st Iloilo Police Mobile Force Company led the operation. The executive judge of Regional Trial Court Branch 67 in Guimbal, Iloilo, issued the search warrant on June 11, 2025.
The operation was made possible by reports from the local community that the suspects were threatening barangay residents while openly carrying firearms. Police reports also stated that Dodong was the main suspect in a fatal shooting incident in November 2024 and was temporarily out on bail.
Recovered from the suspects were one homemade long-barrel shotgun without a serial number, one steel magazine for a 12-gauge shotgun, and five live rounds of 12-gauge ammunition.
Dodong is currently detained at the San Joaquin MPS, while his minor son was placed under the care of the San Joaquin Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office. (Leo Solinap/SunStar Philippines)