Man nabbed after surrendering unlicensed firearm in Oriental Mindoro

CALAPAN CITY — Police arrested a man after he surrendered a carbine with nine rounds of ammunition during a follow-up operation into a reported armed incident on Suguicay Island in Bulalacao town, Oriental Mindoro on Wednesday, Oct. 7.

The Bulalacao Municipal Police Station (MPS) said the operation stemmed from information provided by a concerned citizen about unidentified individuals seen on Suguicay Island in Barangay San Juan, with one reportedly carrying a firearm.

Police conducted verification and follow-up investigation and learned that a land dispute involving the area was pending before the 3rd Municipal Circuit Trial Court in Mansalay, Oriental Mindoro.

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During a continuing follow-up and hot-pursuit operation, personnel of the Bulalacao MPS and Regional Intelligence Team Oriental Mindoro, Regional Intelligence Division Mimaropa, located the suspect in Sitio Libtong, Barangay San Roque.

Police said the man voluntarily surrendered one carbine, a semiautomatic firearm with an inserted magazine containing nine live rounds, in the presence of the barangay captain.

The suspect allegedly failed to present documents showing legal ownership or authority to possess or carry the firearm.

He was subsequently arrested and informed of his constitutional rights, police said.

The Bulalacao MPS is conducting a custodial investigation and preparing charges for alleged violation of Republic Act No. 10591, or the Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition.

Police reminded the public that unauthorized possession, custody and carrying of firearms and ammunition are prohibited under the law.

The Bulalacao police said it would continue intelligence gathering, police operations and coordination with communities and other government agencies to address the proliferation of illegal firearms and other security threats in the area. /das