IBA, Zambales — Two senior citizens were arrested by the joint police operatives Wednesday for illegal possession of firearms.
Zambales police director Col. Romano Velayo Cardiño identified the two suspects as Romulo David y Flores, 87, and Romeo Acostar y Pitel, 79, both residents of Sitio Bagong Silang, Barangay San Pablo, Castillejos.
Acting Castillejos police chief Major Richard Fortaleza said that at about 10:45 in the morning of July 28, 2021, elements of the town police, CIDG–Zambales, Special Action Force, provincial intelligence unit and the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company served the search warrant with No. 2021-35 issued by Executive Judge Raymond Viray of RTC Branch 75, Olongapo City on July 27, 2021 for violation of R.A. 10591 against suspect David at his specified unnumbered house at Sitio Bagong Silang, Barangay San Pablo, Castillejos.
Police confiscated from the suspect one long barreled shotgun without serial number, four pieces of live ammunition for 12-gauge shotgun, seven pieces of live ammunition for .38, and 19 pieces of 5.56 live ammunition.
At around 11 a.m. of the same day, search warrant No. 2021-36 also issued by Executive Judge Viray dated July 27, 2021 for violation of R.A. 10591 was served against suspect Acostar at his specified unnumbered house also at Sitio Bagong Silang, San Pablo.
Confiscated from Acostar were one .38 revolver branded Protector with defaced serial number, eight pieces of live ammunition for 38, and one black holster for .38.
The suspects are now in the temporary custody of CIDG-Zambales.
“When a person has unlicensed firearms or with expired license, it is already considered as loose firearms. Anyone who has either expired license or unlicensed firearms can coordinate with the nearest police station. Zambales PNP is more than willing to assist you with this matter. Otherwise, the PNP will be forced to apply for a search warrant and confiscate the firearms with corresponding charges against the violator,” said Cardiño.
