An alleged crime group leader, who earlier tried to shoot a man, was arrested in a police operation that also led to the rescue of his 14-year-old live-in partner in his house in Caloocan City on Wednesday morning, March 16.
The Northern Police District (NPD) Special Operations Unit (DSOU) identified the suspect as Ronel Oliva , 33, a resident of Barangay 26, Maypajo, Caloocan City.
Police said the suspect is the leader of the “Oliva Group” involved in a series of carnapping, gunrunning, and drug pushing activities in Metro Manila.
Lt. Col. Jay Dimaandal, DSOU chief, told Manila Bulletin that the chairman of Barangay 30, Caloocan City reported to their office a shooting incident that occurred on Antipolo Street at around 1:30 a.m. on March 12.
A closed circuit television (CCTV) camera in the area caught the motorcycle-riding Oliva shooting a man who managed to escape unhurt, police said.
After establishing the identity of the gunman, the police went to the house of Oliva at around 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday to serve a search warrant issued by Judge Raymundo G. Vallega of Regional Trial Court Branch 130 for violation of Republic Act 10591 (The Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act).
During the search, a 14-year-old girl, allegedly his live-in partner, was rescued by the police in coordination with the Women and Children’s Protection Desk and the City Social Welfare Department.
Authorities confiscated a .38-caliber firearm loaded with two live bullets, a .45-caliber Colt with two live bullets; 16 live bullets, a cartridge, and two grenades hidden in the suspect’s house.
Charges for violation of RA 10591 and Section 13 of Presidential Decree 1866 as amended by RA 9516 (Illegal Possession, Manufacture, Dealing in, Acquisition or Disposition of Firearms, Ammunition, or Explosives) will be filed against Oliva, police said.