Cops raid farmer's 'armory'
Police operatives led by the Regional Investigation and Intelligence Division (RIID) raided Saturday a local 'armory' in Sta. Barbara, Iloilo.
Recovered by the raiding team were one 22 rifle, a Pal automatic rifle similar to what is popularly used by Muslim rebels and a 'Super 38 caliber.' Such alongside various live ammunitions including a fully-loaded magazine of M16.
The suspect, former drug suspect turned farmer, Joseph Jopson of Barangay Duyan-Duyan was subject of the police operation following tips from civilian informants on the presence of loose firearms in the area. He was also tagged as the one responsible in sowing fear amongst the locals particularly during nights when he was allegedly drunk. Other accounts verified by police disclosed of indiscriminate firing usually heard coming from his residence.
Senior Supt. Cornelio Defensor, RIID acting chief headed the raiding team as he confirmed numerous complaints against Jopson. In a radio interview, Defensor said the team entered the suspect's family home premises early morning with the entire police operation lasting nearly two hours.
Jopson was brought to the Sta. Barbara police lock-up cell pending proper disposition of the case being readied by the RIID.