CAMP BADO DANGWA -- Seven persons were arrested while six firearms and assorted ammunitions were confiscated in a week as authorities continue its fight against loose firearms.
Bernard Legaspi Velasco Jr., 19, a resident of Magsaysay, Tabuk City and Kevin Dave Gammad Dalere, 18, a resident of Balong, Tabuk City were accosted by personnel of Balbalan police in the evening of July 9, along Sitio Ugid, Balantoy, Balbalan, Kalinga after they were spotted aboard a motorcycle without plate number.
The suspects were in possession of a caliber .45 COLT loaded with eight ammunition.
In an Oplan Bakal Sita operation, suspects Arnolfo Domingo, 19, a resident of Pinukpuk, Kalinga; and Angelo Lamao Gunnawa, 19, a resident of Balinciagao, Pasil, Kalinga were also caught in a short chase after they tried to escape on July 2 at Purok 4, Bulanao, Tabuk City.
Confiscated from the suspects are one Smith & Wesson cal. 38 loaded with five ammunitions.
Two more suspects were put to jail after they were nabbed on July 3 in front of Lamut Municipal Police Station for possessing one Cal .45 loaded with five ammunition, a Magnum 22 loaded with three ammunitions and a caliber .38 loaded with one ammunition.
Arrested suspects were identified as Jerry Baldino, 30, a resident of Poblacion, Tinoc, Ifugao and Domingo Natalac, 25, a resident of Namkatengey, Asipulo, Ifugao who were on board a motorcycle when they were intercepted in a checkpoint.
A sixteen-year-old male was taken into custody in the night of July 7 after he was caught in possession of a cal. 22 paltik at Lubas, La Trinidad, Benguet.
Reports reveal the minor got annoyed when he was not given wine by a store owner which prompted him to bring out his gun, however, the store owner immediately grabbed the gun from him.
Police Regional Office Cordillera regional director Chief Superintendent Rolando Nana, directed all PNP units region wide to launch more operations to recover loose guns.