BAMBOO TUNNEL IN CAVITE. The Bamboo Tunnel at the town plaza of Maragondon is now an attraction, wherein residents visit to take selfies, particularly during nighttime this Yuletide season. The municipality of Maragondon in the upland part of Cavite is known for its bamboo products, which is also the source of living of its residents. Photo by DENNIS ABRINA
Antipolo City resident nabbed for cache of guns
A RESIDENT of Antipolo City on Thursday was arrested by agents of the Rizal Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group for illegal possession of high-powered firearms and ammunition, a report to PNP chief General Rommel Francisco D. Marbil said yesterday.
The suspect identified only as alias “Bong,” a 54-year-old resident of Bgy. Mayamot, was placed under arrest after a search of his residence resulted in the confiscation of a cache of illegal guns, said PNP-CIDG director Brig. Gen. Nicolas D. Torre III.
The weapons recovered include one Colt cal. 5.56mm automatic rifle, one Thompson cal. .45 semi-automatic pistol, one Colt cal. .45 pistol, one Metrillo cal. .40 pistol, one 9mm Glock pistol, one Rock Island cal. .22 rifle with a scope, one converted cal. .22 rifle, assorted magazines and dozens of assorted live a ammunition, the official added.
According to Torre, the raid conducted on the strength of a search warrant for violation of Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulations Act of 2013 issued by Judge Agripino Bravo of the Lucena City Fourth Judicial Region, was in line with their stepped-up effort against loose firearms ahead of the May 12, 2025 national and local elections.
“This is in line with our ongoing intensified implementation of the CIDG ‘Oplan: Paglalansag Omega’ aimed at accounting for loose firearms that could be used in committing crimes and even disrupt the mid-term polls next year,” the PNP-CIDG director explained.
Members of the CIDG Rizal Provincial Field Unit and the Antipolo City Police Station were involved in the raid, which also resulted in the discovery of two Dillon Precision reloading machines, one compressor, two polishing tumblers, and various reloading materials such as smokeless gunpowder, cartridge cases, bullet heads for calibers .40, .45, and 9mm, and primers.
Local barangay officials witnessed the conduct of the search wherein the CIDG Rizal PFU used body-worn cameras to record the operation.
The suspect is now being held at the Rizal CIDG office facing charges for violation of RA 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
Torre, following the Antipolo City raid, said that the CIDG will not tire of suppressing loose fire arms that can be used in illegal activities, especially during the upcoming holiday season.
“The CIDG is committed to upholding the rule of law and remains prepared to serve our citizens,” he said.
