CEBU, Philippines – A German was arrested by the National Bureau of Investigation for having an unlicensed firearm in his house in Alcoy town, while a fireman was also arrested for carrying a gun replica in San Fernando.
Agents led by Bernard dela Cruz arrested Udo Kalthoff in his house at sitio Atabay, Alcoy, yesterday morning, after serving a search warrant issued by executive Judge Meinrado Paredes.
Dela Cruz said that Kalthoff's former live-in partner Lilian Masangkay went to their office and informed them that Kalthoff has a gun hidden in his house. He added the gun is actually owned by Masangkay and was just stolen by Kalthoff.
Masangkay also claimed the gun had proper papers and permits before it was taken by Kalthoff.
The NBI will file illegal possession of firearms and robbery against Kalthoff on Monday before the Provincial Prosecutor's Office.
Meanwhile, having a fake gun did not spare a fireman from charges for violation of the Commission on Elections gun ban.
Fire Officer 1 Joseph Lanawan was arrested in barangay South Poblacion, San Fernando town, Cebu, last Thursday around 4:35 p.m.
In his affidavit, San Fernando policeman PO3 Joseph Glenn Burlas said they received a phone call from FO3 Jocelyn Escomo and FO2 Rusel Generalao that Lanawan was making trouble inside the fire station just a few meters away.
Both firemen claimed Lanawan was drunk and appeared to have a gun holstered at his waist.
Burlas said when he responded to the said alarm he saw this police chief Insp. Carlos Reyes, Jr. and PO1 Lauro Laurel already there. He added that they saw Lanawan inside the office of fire station confronting and arguing with Escomo and Generalao and they also saw what appeared to a gun holstered at his waist.
He said that they immediately arrested Lanawan and brought him to their office where it was discovered the gun was actually just a replica, although it is still covered under the Comelec gun ban.
Prosecutor Napoleon Alburo recommended P60,000 for Lanawan's temporary liberty.
Lanawan was released after he was able to post bail yesterday afternoon. (FREEMAN)