Cavite businessman arrested for possession of high-powered guns
The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) arrested on Friday a businessman over illegally possessed guns including an AK-47, a Russian-made automatic rifle, in Cavite.
Operatives of the CIDG’s Anti-Transnational Crime Unit (ATCU) nabbed Rogelio Tabanao, 46, owner of a trucking and scrap business, of Carissa Homes Subdivision, Barangay Punta 1, Tanza town in Cavite.
According to CIDG-ATCU head Supt. Roque Merdegia, Tabanao has a license to own and Possess Firearm (LTOPF) for his guns: an AK-47; a 12-gauge shotgun; and .45 caliber pistol, as well as a permit to carry but that they have already expired.
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Merdegia said that his unit served on Friday morning a search warrant, issued by San Pablo City regional trial court executive judge Agripino Morga, against Tabanao based on information that the businessman was keeping unlicensed high-powered firearms and hand guns in his house.
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Recovered from Tabanao’s house were the two long firearms, the pistol, and assorted ammunition.
“It turns out he has the documents for the firearms but they are expired,” Merdegia said, adding that they lapsed in 2012.
He pointed out that the new law on firearms prohibits a civilian owning and possessing high-powered guns, particularly fully automatic rifles.
The police operation against Tabanao is part of Oplan Panlalansag which is aimed at recovering loose firearms.
Tabanao admitted that his documents for the firearms have expired but said that he only had the guns for his protection.
The businessman is facing a charge of illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.
