ORMOC CITY— A visiting rice trader was arrested by local police for possession of an unlicensed firearm at around 3 pm on Sunday, November 3, in Barangay Magaan, Zumarraga, Samar.
The suspect, identified by police as “Jojo,” 57, married, and a resident of Calbiga, Samar, is a rice retailer.
According to the local police, they received a tip from a concerned citizen via phone regarding an individual reportedly carrying an unidentified firearm. Acting on the information, the police proceeded to the location to investigate.
During their investigation, the responding officers found the suspect in possession of a .45 caliber pistol with one magazine loaded with six rounds of ammunition. When asked to present legal documents for carrying the firearm, the suspect failed to produce any, leading to his arrest.
The suspect was informed of the nature of his arrest and his constitutional rights in a language he understood, in accordance with the Miranda Doctrine.
The suspect, along with the confiscated firearm, was brought to the Zumarraga Municipal Police Station for proper documentation.
Charges for violation of Republic Act 10591, the Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition, have been filed with the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office against the suspect who remains temporarily detained at the Zumarraga municipal police station.
(ROBERT DEJON)
