LINGAYEN, Pangasinan — The Pangasinan Police on Wednesday simultaneously served search warrants in seven municipalities in the province, resulting in the arrest of eight persons and the confiscation of five guns and ammunition.
Pangasinan Police information officer, Chief Insp. Norman Florentino, in a press conference here, said the “one time, big time” operation against loose firearms and illegal drug personalities is part of their relentless campaign against all forms of criminality.
“The subjects of the warrants were those identified in case operational plans, while some were complained by their neighbors to be causing trouble using guns in their communities,” Florentino said.
In Burgos, police arrested Richard Andam, 31, a construction worker, and a resident of Barangay Don Matias Burgos, after they found ammunitions for a caliber 5.56 pistol and one M16 magazine.
Bayambang Police arrested Sunny Garcia, 50, resident of Barangay Bani Bayambang, and seized from his house live ammunition for a rocket-propelled grenade launcher, two sachets of suspected “shabu”, and drug paraphernalia.
Three siblings, who were reported to the police as causing trouble in their neighborhood using guns, were also arrested and law enforcers confiscated one shotgun, one caliber .38 revolver, and several ammunitions for various calibers of guns in their residence in San Carlos City. The suspects were identified as Romberto Galvez, Leonardo Galvez, and Mario Galvez.
In Bautista, police arrested Marvin Magat, 39, a resident of Nibaliw Norte in the town, after their search yielded one Smith and Wesson caliber .38 pistol and live ammunitions.
San Manuel Police, on the other hand, seized from the residence of Rodrigo Malong, one caliber .45 pistol, and one caliber .38 revolver with several ammunitions. However, Malong was not in his house when the warrant was served.
“Malong is a member of the Quinto gun-for-hire group based in Balungao Pangasinan. He also has criminal records, such as robbery in Asingan, Pangasinan and (was) allegedly involved in shooting incidents,” Florentino said.
In Malasiqui, Randy Fernandez, 52, a resident of barangay Poblacion, was arrested. Confiscated from him were a hand grenade and ammunition.
Agno Police arrested Sixto Nieves when they found one caliber .9-mm. pistol and ammunitions from his residence, while the two other search warrants in the town yielded negative results.
“The arrested persons were detained in their respective police stations while guns and ammunitions were turned over to the crime laboratory. Ammunition will be subjected to ballistic examination,” Florentino said. (Hilda Austria/PNA)
