PNP readies cases vs 17 persons on board cars filled with assorted firearms
A total of 17 persons on-board three vehicles filled with assorted firearms will face charges for violations of the gun ban and illegal possession of firearms, according to Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) director, S/Supt. Rolando Gumban.
The incident happened around 5 p.m. Monday in San Enrique, Iloilo where the convoy of San Enrique mayoral candidate Rolando Cordero and a group of vehicles composed of a Safari, Urvan and a pick-up met and had a deadlock at Barangay Garita of the said town.
Gumban said the supporters of Cordero surrounded the vehicles, demanding that the vehicles be opened because they are carrying assorted firearms.
The incident ended around 8:30 p.m. upon the arrival of Gumban who ordered that the vehicles escorted by police patrol cars be brought to the San Enrique Police Station.
While at the police station, some 5,000 supporters of Cordero again encircled the three vehicles and demanded the same.
Gumban said the vehicles were opened and the 17 persons on board were escorted to the police station while the police found assorted firearms inside said vehicles.
An inventory of the recoveries revealed two standard Armalites; two baby Armalites; two fragmentation grenades; two caliber .38 revolvers; four homemade shotguns; one rife grenade; seven Molotov bombs and assorted ammunition.
Those arrested were identified as Carlos Sumagpao, Virgilio Osano III, Andy Casanova, Elmer Carillo, Lina Savillano, Charles Paca-oncis and Dionisio Dayaday all of San Enrique; Rolly Delatina, Jesus Maximo Jr., Reynaldo Palmes, Gelbert Lara and Joebert Cornella all of Btac Viejo; Larry Cala-or of Ajuy; Antonio Sainz Jr. of Dao, Antique and; Rolly Fegarido, Primitivo Alaro Jr. and Ruben Asupadro all of Passi City.
At around 3 a.m. Tuesday, the persons arrested and the evidence were transported to the IPPO headquarters in Sta. Barbara.
Gumban added that fingerprints and mugshots of the suspects were already taken as they plan to file cases at the Iloilo Provincial Prosecutor’s Office tomorrow.
Meanwhile, they are still in the process of determining if who are the owners of the said vehicles and with whom they are affiliated with. (PNA)
