BENGUET, Benguet – PNP’s intensified operation in the campaign against terrorism, lawless armed groups and criminality led to the arrest of suspects in possession of several guns and ammunitions in La Trinidad, Buguias and Itogon, all in Benguet.
Seized items in Barangay Pico, La Trinidad, Benguet are four caliber 45 pistols with seven magazines and 83 pieces of ammunitions, one caliber revolver .357 magnum with 18 ammunitions and one ammo reloading machine for revolver.
Relying on information received from concerned citizens, police personnel of La Trinidad Municipal Police Station led by the chief of police, PCInsp. Benson Macli-ing together with the Benguet Provincial Mobile Force Company and Benguet Police Provincial Office personnel proceeded to Barangay Pico in La Trinidad, Benguet on February 17, 2018 where they were able to apprehend Peter Dangiwan Chinalpan in the possession of caliber 45, 1 magazine and 13 pieces of ammunitions in Upper Shamolog, Pico, La Trinidad, Benguet.
His companions were able to elude arrest but the responding policemen recovered the above stated confiscated items.
Arrested suspect was charged in violation of RA 10591, the ‘Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act’ for failure to present pertinent documents of ownership. He was brought to the Benguet Prosecutor’s Office for inquest proceedings.
The arrest of the suspect and the confiscated items are attributed to the vigilance and prompt reporting of concerned citizens in the area as to the presence of armed men and indiscriminate firing that led to the immediate and quick police response of Benguet PNP.
In Abatan, Buguias, Benguet on the same date, Johnson Tindo Sawac was apprehended inside the Gold Bar for violation of same offense for illegal possession of calibre 45 pistol with markings “Caspian Arms LTD” loaded with seven live ammunitions. The arrest was made by the Buguias PNP led by PInsp. Roy Aguirre.
In Itogon, Benguet on February 20, 2018, Dexon Takinan Baywong was arrested in possession of a Pistol Norinco Caliber 45 bearing serial no. 1002234 loaded with one bullet on its chamber and three live ammunitions on its magazine during the OPLAN Bakal Sita.
It was conducted by Itogon MPS led by the chief of police, PCInsp. Eugene Raymundo. An appropriate charge was filed against the subject.
All the above firearms and ammunition were turned over to the PNP Regional Crime Laboratory Office for ballistic examination.
PSSupt. Lyndon Mencio, acting provincial director, lauded the personnel of said MPSs for their dedication and commitment to call of duty.
He further extends his gratitude to the full support and cooperation of the citizenry in providing information to maintain the peace and security in the province against any atrocities.
Preservation of peace and order is a concerted effort among the community and the PNP to have a sustainable and peaceful way to do business, work, study and live in the province according to Benguet’s top gun.
By Ferdie Cariño Castañeda
