The police arrested a 19-year-old in Barangay Poblacion, Muntinlupa for illegal possession of an improvised firearm and ammunition on Wednesday, Feb. 23.
According to the Muntinlupa police, Sherwin Apolinar was caught in the act of loading an improvised firearm at Phase 4 of Southville 3 housing project, located inside the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) Reservation.
Intelligence operatives were conducting Simultaneous Anti-Criminality Law Enforcement Operations (SACLEO) at about 1 a.m. in the area when they saw Apolinar.
Seized from him were one improvised firearm (pen gun) and one .22-caliber live ammunition. Also recovered in his possession were two .22-caliber live ammunition.
The police are preparing to file a complaint against him for violation of Republic Act 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act) and Batas Pambansa Blg. 881 (Omnibus Election Code) with the Office of the City Prosecutor in Muntinlupa.
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has imposed a nationwide gun ban from Jan. 9 to June 8 in connection with the May 9 national and local elections.
Under its resolution, the prohibited acts during the election period are carrying firearms and deadly weapons outside of residence or place of business, and in all public places; engaging the services of security personnel; and transporting firearms and explosives, including its spare parts and components.
Its Committee on the Ban on Firearms and Security Concerns (CBFSC) has the sole and exclusive authority to issue a certificate of authority for the carrying of firearms.