An off-duty security guard arrested yesterday dawn a 17-year-old bystander believed to be behind the series of thefts in the former Sudlon Agricultural School in barangay Lahug.
The suspect, identified as Jonathan Retarino of barangay Guadalupe, was found to have possessed a .357 Magnum revolver but without ammunition.
Jurly Pacheco, the off-duty security guard and resident of said place, arrested the boy while he was about to victimize some households in the area.
“Among nabantayan nga nagsige’g hupo-hupo ning batan-on maong akong giduol. Niaksyon siya og bunot sa armas pero akong nailog,” Pacheco said.
Retarino was turned over to the Mabolo Police Station together with the firearm as evidence. The youngster failed to present any pertinent documents that would prove the weapon is a licensed firearm, but said that the gun is owned by his father who works as a security officer.
For his part, Retarino denied he is involved in the series of theft in the said area, saying his only purpose in being there at that time is to look for the buyer of the firearm. However, he has refused to reveal the identity of the buyer.
“Ako untang ibaligya ang armas para ipalit og tambal sir,” Retarino told the Mabolo police investigator.
Retarino was formally charged for illegal possession of firearm before the Cebu City Prosecutor’s Office. – Ramil V. Ayuman/MEEV