4 Arrested and assorted firearms were confiscated in Payao, Zamboanga Sibugay for Violation of RA 10591

PAYAO, ZamboSibugay (Aug. 6, 2018) - On August 3, 2018 at about 3:30 PM, the Special Forces Detachment at Payao, Zamboamga Sibugay requested assistance to Payao MPS to verify the information received that there were alleged armed men in Patay Sibugay, Guiwan, Zamboanga Sibugay.

The Elements of Payao MPS together with the personnel of Special Force proceeded to the reported place. Upon arrival in the area around 4:30pm, they saw and noticed four male individuals wearing half army uniform. One of the them later identified as Joel Cagas y Modeloso, 37 years old, married, army reservist and a resident of Kumalarang, Zamboanga Sibugay. He was noticed by the responding team to have something bulky on his waist and was found out that it was a .45 pistol tucked on his waist.

One of the responding team asked him to present legal documents of possessing the said firearm but failed to present any, then and there he was immediately arrested and was informed by the violation he committed and the .45 pistol was confiscated.

Furthermore, the responding elements discovered and confiscated another several firearms and ammunitions in the area particularly at the nipa hut where the four individuals stayed, the following units are:

One unit Carbine loaded with magazine with ammunitions,

One unit Ingram loaded with magazine with ammunitions,

One unit caliber pistol 357,

One unit .45 Pistol loaded with magazine and ammunitions and

Eight pieces m16 magazines with ammunitions.

The three others were also arrested and was later identified as;

1)   Ronie Ortega y Leria, 41 years old, married, army reservist, and a resident of Kumalarang, Zamboanga Del Sur; 2

2)   Antonio Onac y Pucoy Jr., 40 years old, married, resident of Kota Dao, Pagadian City, and

3)   Alberto Ortega y Javar, 36 years old, married, a resident of Barangay Pendulunan, Kota Dao, Pagadian City.

The arrested persons and the confiscated items were brought to Payao MPS for further investigation and proper disposition. PO1 Richard S. Mercurio with contact number 09068155652 is the investigator on case.