Ormoc City Police apprehends violator of illegal possession of fire arms

Ormoc City Police Office, August 28, 2013 - Found by policeman in possession of a firearm and ammunition, one (1) Crisaldo Estremos, 39 years old, married, driver and resident of Brgy. Hibunawon, Ormoc City, was arrested at the Ormoc City Jitney Terminal in the city port area 9 p.m. Monday 26, August 2013. A civilian reported to SP01 Caesar Darius Corbo posted at the Tourism building located close by the city port area about a commotion happening in the Jitney Terminal. The policeman immediately proceeded to check the untoward incident called him, and found the suspect drunk, injured and in possession of a .38 Paltik hand gun with three (3) live ammunition. The suspect was quickly disarmed and questioned to show cause of bearing and carrying firearms. Unable to show proper documents, the policeman effected arrest and confiscated from the suspect the deadly weapon and the ammunitions he was in possession. Then he brought the suspect to Ormoc City Police Station 1 for custody and documentation which policemen on case swiftly slapped the violator charges of illegal possession of firearm violating Presidential Decree No. 1866 as amended by RA 8294 in docket number NPS No. VIII-04-INQ13H-00059 before the City Prosecutors Office, Ormoc City.

With the October election fast approaching, we look towards disciplined and licensed gun holders not displaying and carrying their firearms without proper permit. The Permit to Carry Firearms Outside Residence (PTCFOR) is reportedly suspended, said OCPO director PSSUPT. ELIZAR PATANO EGLOSO. The suspension of the carrying of firearm is to deter abuse and isolate those carrying loose firearms, and eventually apprehend them, particularly those that venture in forming private armed groups (PAGs) and those likely to disrupt the election process and sow terror come Election Day.

Finally, Police Community Relations chief PSUPT. MA. ELMA B. DELOS SANTOS said, violations of possession of firearms will be strictly enforced without fear or favor by our policemen and charges will be filed to those whosoever is found in possession of gun or guns carried outside residence without showing cause or documents to bear and carry them around during the elections. Those permitted by COMELEC to bear arms have specific identification and uniforms that will properly identify them. They should wear and carry them always. This will reduce tension on the street and keep law enforcers unnecessarily rubbing each other’s elbow; and, keep them out of trouble and setbacks from lack of communication, she said. This was one of the important matters taken up during the recent Election legal education conducted by staff and personnel of the Police Regional Legal Service Unit 8, Tuesday, she concluded.