2 village chiefs collared over loose firearms in Batangas

From CIDG Batangas

MANILA, Philippines — Two village chairmen from two separate Batangas towns have been arrested for possessing loose firearms, authorities said Thursday.

In a report from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Batangas, the suspects were identified as Fernando Sulit, chairman of Brgy. Hugom; and Gerardo Villanueva, chairman of Brgy. San Sebastian.

Sulit and Villanueva were arrested in separate police operations, which stemmed from court-issued search warrants against the suspects. Sulit was arrested 8 a.m. Thursday while Villanueva was arrested Tuesday night.

From CIDG Batangas

According to police, operatives seized a .45-caliber pistol, three magazines, 21 pieces of live ammunition, and one sling bag from Sulit; and a .45-caliber pistol, two pieces of magazine, 16 pieces of live ammunition, and one sling bag from Villanueva.

Police said both suspects are currently detained at the CIDG Batangas office, facing charges in violation of Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Act. /kga