10 nabbed at Samar police checkpoint with guns, ammunition

TACLOBAN CITY – At least 10 men were arrested at a police checkpoint in San Jorge town, Samar for alleged possession of several firearms and ammunition on Saturday, June 5.

Based on the report of the local police, the suspects were on board two separate vehicles when they were flagged down at the checkpoint located in Barangay Poblacion I at around 6:30 p.m.

The suspects then presented several documents, including a travel authority reportedly issued by Malacañang while claiming to be with the Office of the Presidential Adviser for Religious Affairs.

“Seven of the suspects introduced themselves as high-ranking police and military officials. But when we validated their identities, they turned out to be faked,” said Police Corporal Dennard Catalan, in a phone interview.

Seized from the suspects were four caliber .45 pistols and several rounds of ammunition.

Catalan said the suspects told investigators that they were from Mindanao and were on their way to Manila.

The suspects will be charged at the prosecutor’s office for illegal possession of firearms; usurpation of authority, and falsification of public documents.

The suspects are currently detained at the San Jorge Police Station.

/MUF