4 nabbed for bringing guns, drug paraphernalia at Cebu checkpoint

Police checkpoints are all over the coountry to enforce the gun ban during the election period. AFP FILE PHOTO/JAY DIRECTO

CEBU CITY — Four persons were arrested on Monday, after they were caught carrying firearms and drug paraphernalia at a checkpoint along the national highway of South Poblacion, San Fernando town, 29.3 kilometers south of here.

The suspects were identified as Mark Genterone, 30; Leecille Vergara, 20; and Joan Blanco, 34, all from Barili town; and Leonard Alicaway, of Cebu City.

The four will be charged with illegal possession of firearms and violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act, according to the police

PO3 Marjokin Misuari, desk officer of the San Fernando police station, said the suspects were heading to Naga City on board a multicab (plate number ABN 8324) about 2:30 a.m. when they were flagged down at a checkpoint conducted by the joint teams from San Fernando, Cebu Provincial Police Office, Regional Public Safety Battalion, and Special Weapons and Tactics  team.

When their vehicle was checked, the police found three firearms and bullets.

These include one Ingram submachine gun with silencer and magazine loaded with  16 live ammunition;  one .45 caliber pistol with magazine loaded with 6 live ammunition; one 9mm pistol with magazine loaded with four live ammunition and assorted drug paraphernalia.

They also recovered one shoulder bag with P20,440 in cash.  SFM