Isabela village chairman nabbed for loose guns

Photo from Philippine National Police

MANILA, Philippines — A barangay (village) chairman in Isabela province was arrested on Friday morning for possession of assorted loose firearms, police said.

Police identified the suspect as Reynaldo Hope, barangay captain of Barangay Gud, San Isidro, Isabela province.

Armed with a search warrant, Isabela police officers arrested Hope and seized at least nine guns of various calibers, 17 magazines, 345 assorted bullets and 27 empty shells.

Among the guns seized were a Norinco M16 Rifle with tampered serial numbers, an Armscor .45 caliber pistol, and a Daewoo caliber .380 pistol.

Photo from the Philippine National Police

Police said the suspect was also involved in gunrunning activities in the 4th District of the province.  /muf