By Jennifer P. Rendon
It all started when he was accosted by police for not wearing a helmet and facial mask.
It ended with him getting arrested for more serious offenses.
A 38-year old motorcycle backrider was arrested morning of Nov 5, 2020 after a gun and explosives were seized from his possession at Barangay Jalaud Norte, Zarraga, Iloilo.
Jose Rey Parreño, a resident of Barangay Bongco, Pototan, was backriding a motorcycle driven by a 17-year-old boy when they were ordered to stop.
Police Corporal Alfred Mones and Patrolman Geovannie Parreño (no relation to Jose Rey) were conducting mobile patrol and police visibility when they caught the suspect and the minor without helmets and face masks.
Lieutenant Johnny Arnad, Zarraga police chief, said their intention was to inform them of their violation for not wearing a crash helmet and face mask.
“But when our policemen approached them, they saw a gun tucked in the suspect’s waistline,” Arnad said.
The two cops subsequently frisked Jose Rey and recovered two hand grenades in his jacket’s pocket and a knife.
Arnad said Jose Rey had been mum why he was carrying a firearm, a knife, and explosives.
The officers later checked Jose Rey’s background with Pototan Police Station, but the latter claimed that the suspect has no derogatory record in the town.
Jose Rey is now detained and will be charged for violations of Republic Act 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act) and RA 9516 or illegal possession of explosives.
