DAVAO CITY (March 24) — Authorities on Saturday morning, March 23, Tubajon, arrested Dinagat town Mayor Romeo Constantino Vargas and municipal Councilor Norlito Ticod, for illegal possession of firearms.
Vargas was arrested in his residence in Purok 1, Brgy. Santa Cruz, Tubajon, while Ticod was arrested in Brgy. Puerto Princesa, Basilisa, Dinagat Islands. The two were arrested in two separate operations.
The two were arrested based on the search warrants issued by Acting Presiding Judge Hon. Shineta Tare Palacio, of Branch 32, in 10th Judicial Region, Surigao City dated March 15, 2019.
The raiding team recovered from Vargas , one M16 Rifle with scope and bipod; magazine for M16; ammunition; Caliber .22 magnum, and Air Gun Convertible.
They also recovered Caliber .45 Pistol Colt, magazine for Caliber .45 pistol; ammunition; empty shells for caliber 38 revolver and black holster for caliber .45 from Ticud.
Chief Supt Gilberto DC Cruz, Police Regional Office (PRO) 13 Director said that Vargas and SB Ticod will be facing charges on RA No. 10591 (An Act Providing for a Comprehensive Law on Firearms and ammunition and providing penalties for violations).
The confiscated items are now under the custody of CIDG, Surigao del Norte.
In a statement, Cruz said ‘’These accomplishments serve as stern warning to all firearm holders including those politicians in Caraga that we are dead serious in conducting intensified drive against loose firearms.”
The police official warned, all delinquent firearm owners will be subjected to police operations, should they fail to surrender their loose firearms.
Cruz added, “Anyone, regardless of status, will face the full wrath of the law.”
The joint operations were conducted by the Personnel of Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Surigao Del Norte Field Unit, CIDG Agusan Del Norte Field Unit, Surigao Del Norte Maritime Group, PNP SAF, Provincial Intelligence Branch of Dinagat Islands Police Provincial Office, Tubajon and Basilisa Municipal Police Stations.-NewsLine.ph
