Former soldier arrested for 'smuggling' firearms

CEBU, Philippines - A former soldier was arrested yesterday morning by the Danao police at the Dunggoan wharf in Danao City for allegedly smuggling assorted firearms worth P50,000.

Ariel Bolivar, 47, was arrested as he was about to go on board a vessel for Isabel, Leyte.

A team headed by SPO3 Nilo Pantoja Jr. confiscated from Bolivar seven magazines of a .45 caliber pistol, three .45 pistols, two.357 revolvers, one 9mm assault rifle and three magazines of a 9mm assault rifle.

The items were covered with paper and placed inside a box of liquor.

Bolivar’s arrest stemmed from information relayed to the police identifying him as a gun runner from Bunyasan, Malimono, Surigao Del Norte, where he is also a native.

Inspector Romulo Torralba Jr., deputy of the Danao City Police Station, said they immediately approached Bolivar when they saw him carrying a box. The guns were discovered after the box was inspected.

Police left with no choice but to arrest Bolivar after the latter failed to show documents to support the cargo.

Torralba reportedly left the military about two decades ago when he suddenly became absent without official leave. He reportedly left because he was earning too little in the service.

“Mao nay iyang ingon nako kay barato pa man to kaniadto,” Torralba said.

Bolivar refused to give any comment, as well as any information about his sources of the firearms and financiers.

Provincial Police Director Sr. Supt. Patrocinio Comendador said it is possible that the seized firearms were intended for criminal activities.

Comendador said that Bolivar’s arrest showed that CPPO is intensifying their campaign on loose firearms in the entire province. A case for violation of RA 8294 or illegal possession of firearms was filed against Bolivar at the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office yesterday. (FREEMAN)