Authorities nab Tubajon mayor, SB member for illegal firearms

MANILA, Philippines — The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) announced on Saturday the arrest of two local government officials–the mayor of Tubajon town and Sangguniang Bayan (SB) member–of Dinagat Islands for illegal possession of firearms.

SB member Norlito Ticod (in white sleeveless shirt) stands in front of the arresting officers. Photo courtesy of Police Regional Office 13

Operatives of the CIDG Surigao del Norte Field Unit, Agusan Del Norte Field Unit, Surigao Del Norte Maritime Group and Philippine National Police Special Force Unit caught Tubajon Mayor Romeo Vargas in his home in Santa Cruz, Tubajon and SB member Norlito Ticod in Puerto Princesa, Basilisa Islands.

Tubajon Mayor Romeo Vargas (in white shirt sitting on the left side of the table) watches as police officers process the documents for his arrest. Photo courtesy of Police Regional Office 13

The arrest stemmed from a search warrant issued on March 15, 2019, by Judge Hon. Shineta Tare Palacio of Branch 32, 10th Judicial Region in Surigao City.

Confiscated from Vargas were M16 rifle with scope and bipod, magazine for M16, ammunition, .22-caliber magnum, and an air gun convertible.

Seized from Ticod were .45-caliber pistol colt, magazine for caliber 45 pistol, ammunition, empty shells for caliber 38 revolver and black holster.

Vargas and Ticod will be facing charges for violation of Republic Act No. 10951 or Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition.

The seized items were placed under the custody of CIDG in Surigao del Norte. /jpv