TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur -- Police operatives reportedly arrested four suspects for violating Republic Act No. 10591 which is also known as the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act and RA 9516, known as "Codifying the Laws On Illegal/Unlawful Possession, Manufacture, Dealing In, Acquisition or Disposition of Firearms, Ammunition or Explosives or Instruments Used in the Manufacture of Firearms, Ammunition or Explosives." The suspects accordingly, were arrested in a joint hot pursuit operation on July 17, 2023 in Cantilan town.
In a press statement, Madrid Municipal Police Station under the supervision of Police Major Ferdinand P. Tavares responded to the report from a concerned citizen on the alleged presence of armed men having drinking spree in Barangay Panayogon of the said town.
In response, the police operatives immediately acted for the veracity of the report. Upon reaching the place, the responding personnel were about to approach the said individuals, and they were fired upon, which prompted them to retaliate. The suspects scampered towards Barangay Parang in Cantilan, the next municipality in the northern part of the province.
At around 5:00 p.m. on the same date, a composite team from Madrid MPS, 36IB, Philippine Army, Cantilan MPS, and Regional Intelligence Division-13 (RID13) conducted the hot pursuit and dragnet operation that resulted to a successful arrest of the four (4) suspects at Purok 1, Barangay Parang, Cantilan in Surigao del Sur.
Surigao del Sur Police Provincial Office chief, PCol. Harry B. Domingo revealed that the suspects were all residents of Barangay Calatngan, San Miguel, Surigao del Sur identified as follows:
1. Dondon A Montenegro, 39 years old, male, jobless;
2. Eugen A Montenegro, 37 years old, male, jobless;
3. Jomar M Meniano, 25 years old with date of brth on April 18, 1998, male, jobless; and
4. Dindo A Montenegro, 26 years old with DOB on July 26, 1997, male, jobless.
Confiscated from their possession and control were the following:
- Two hand grenades;
- One unit caliber .45 NORINCO pistol bearing Serial No. 163942;
- Two pcs magazines for caliber .45;
- Three pcs caliber .45 live ammunition;
- Three cellular phones;
- One green wallet; and
- Two sling bags.
The investigation disclosed that the suspects were allegedly involved in gun for hire and extortion activities in the province.
The official stated that the police force will continuen to maintain the peace and order throughout the province by maximizing their effectiveness in the campaign against all forms of criminality.
“These accomplishments proved that the hard work and dedication of the PNP in strengthening public safety, with the support of the community, is at all times effective and efficient," PCol. Domingo said.
Meanwhile, the arrested suspects were informed of their constitutional rights and brought to Madrid MPS with the confiscated items for proper disposition.
SDSPPO chief, on the other hand, urged the public to continuously support the government in its campaign against all forms of criminality for a secure and peaceful Surigao del Sur. (SDS-PPO/NGPB, PIA-Surigao del Sur)
