The police arrested a suspected leader of a carnapping group for possession of a firearm and a grenade in violation of the nationwide gun ban in Taguig on Friday, Jan. 21.
Police said the suspect, Alberto Cruz, 65, a driver, was arrested in Pepay Compound, Barangay Wawa, Taguig.
Prior to his arrest, a report was received by the police that Cruz, armed with a firearm, was shouting wildly causing panic and disturbance among residents of Pepay Compound.
Cruz was seen armed with a .38-caliber revolver without serial number loaded with two live ammunition, and one Mk 2 fragmentation grenade. He was not wearing any face mask.
He was immediately arrested and upon investigation, the police found out that Cruz is allegedly the leader of the Berto Carnapping Group listed under the Case Operational Plan (Coplan) of the Taguig Police for the third quarter of 2021, according to the Southern Police District (SPD).
The suspect is facing charges for violation of the gun ban under Batas Pambansa 881 (Omnibus Election Code), illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition under Republic Act 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act), illegal possession of an explosive under Republic Act 9516, and not wearing face mask under Taguig City Ordinance No. 12 (Series of 2020).
In addition, the Taguig Police Sub-station 10 conducted “Oplan Galugad” along Tilapia Street at Purok 4, Lower Bicutan that resulted in the arrest of Roger de Ramon, 45, after he was found in possession of a .38-caliber revolver loaded with five bullets.
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) imposed a gun ban from Jan. 9 to June 8 in connection with the May 9 national and local elections.
The firearms, grenade and ammunition were turned over to the SPD Forensic Unit for ballistics examination.
“Any person found to be violating Comelec’s guidelines on the gun ban shall be liable for one year up to six years imprisonment, disqualification to hold public office and deprivation of the right to vote,” warned SPD director Brig. Gen. Jimili Macaraeg.