Boracay cops collar gun ban ‘pasaway’
AN 18-year-old gun ban violator in Boracay Island was arrested by the local police following a complaint that he is using his firearm to intimidate and threaten people living in the favorite tourist destination, the Journal Group learned on Friday.
A native of Romblon, John Mark Visa yielded a caliber .45 pistol with a magazine containing seven live ammunition when arrested in Sitio Bolabog in Barangay Balabag, Malay, Aklan at 3:00 a.m. Tuesday, said Malay Municipal Police Station commander, Lieutenant Colonel Don Dicksie L. de Dios.
According to the official, his men arrested the suspect following information from residents that he is always brandishing his gun in their neighborhood in Sitio Pinaungon Ibabaw in Bgy. Balabag, Boracay Island. Local barangay officials assisted the police in making the arrest.
Lt. Col. de Dios said that a record check showed that the suspect and his much younger brother are also the subjects of a pending warrant of arrest for theft issued by Judge Bienvinido Barrios Jr. of the Kalibo, Aklan Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 3.
A follow-up operation led to the arrest of the other suspect, who happened to be only 16 years old in Bgy. Balabag on Wednesday.
John Mark is now facing charges for illegal possession of firearms under Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearm and Ammunition Regulations Act of 2013 and the gun ban under the Omnibus Election Code.
He and his brother were placed under the custody of the Kalibo Police pending official jail commitment order from the court.
Aklan Police Provincial Office Director Col. Crisaleo R. Tolentino and Malay Municipal Mayor Frolibar Bautista commended the Malay Police for their latest accomplishment in the anti-criminality campaign, particularly their drive against wanted persons and loose firearms in the municipality.
