By Jennifer P. Rendon
A laborer and a farmer were arrested in Iloilo province for possession of unlicensed firearms, adding to the list of gun owners apprehended in the area.
Alias Remel, 46, a farmer from Purok 2, Barangay Cawayan, Carles, and alias Nonito, 52, of Barangay Badu, Calinog, were arrested in separate firearm raids on Feb. 13.
Members of the Carles Municipal Police Station raided Remel’s house under Search Warrant No. 2025-003 for violating Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
Judge Oscar Leo A. Billena of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 70 in Barotac Viejo, Iloilo, issued the warrant on Feb. 6, 2025.
Police recovered a .45-caliber pistol without a serial number, a magazine loaded with four rounds, and two additional rounds of ammunition.
Major Sonny Boy Garnace, Carles police chief, said authorities received multiple complaints against Remel for allegedly threatening passersby with his firearm.
His residence is located along a shortcut road leading to Pilar, Capiz, where he allegedly ambushed travelers, especially when intoxicated.
Meanwhile, officers from the Calinog Municipal Police Station arrested Nonito on Thursday evening.
Police searched his residence under Search Warrant No. 25-03, issued by Judge Gemalyn Faunillo-Tarol of RTC Branch 76 in Janiuay, Iloilo, on Feb. 5, 2025.
Authorities recovered a homemade 12-gauge shotgun with a magazine loaded with three rounds, three empty shotgun shells, 17 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, and a black pouch.
Like Remel, Nonito had previous complaints for allegedly brandishing and illegally discharging his firearm.
Major Myles Dieron, Calinog police chief, said the suspect had also been accused of killing his first cousin’s husband, but the case did not proceed due to an out-of-court settlement.
Both suspects are detained and will be charged with violating RA 10591.
