CIDG nabs 2 barangay officials for illegal guns, ammo

MANILA, Philippines — Two barangay (village) officials were arrested for illegal possession of firearms in separate police operations in Batangas and La Union, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) of the Philippine National Police (PNP) reported on Wednesday.

CIDG operatives arrested Gerardo Villanueva, barangay chairman of San Sebastian, Balete, during the implementation of a search warrant in Batangas on Tuesday evening.

Seized from Villanueva were caliber .45 pistol, two magazines, and 16 rounds of ammunition.

Col. Lawrence Cajipe, Chief of CIDG Region 4A, said Villanueva is also tagged as the alleged leader of “Villanueva Gunrunning Group” operating in Batangas.

Meanwhile, Rodrigo Garcia, chairman of Bgy. Rimos, Luna town was arrested on Wednesday at 6:30 a.m.

Confiscated from Garcia were 180 rounds of ammunition, eight magazines and one M16 rifle.

Both officials will be facing charges for violating the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Law. /muf