Russian arrested for indiscriminate firing

CEBU, Philippines - Argao police arrested a Russian national for allegedly firing his gun indiscriminately while in the waters off Barangay Poblacion yesterday afternoon.

Yury Saminskiy, 34, who temporarily resides in Barangay Maribago, Lapu-Lapu City, did not resist arrest but introduced himself as a member of the International Police Commission (Interpolcom).

He also showed a license for the gun he was holding.

But Insp. Alejandro Batobalonos, Argao police chief, said they found out that the license was fake upon verification with the Firearms Explosives Security Service Agency and Guards Supervisory Section (FESSAGS).

Foreign nationals are not allowed to possess a firearm in the country.

Batobalonos also checked with the International Police (Interpol) and learned that Interpolcom is an illegal organization.

“The members of this organization are wanted by law,” Batobalonos told The FREEMAN in a phone interview.

Saminskiy and his friends rented a motorized banca from a fisherman in barangay Poblacion.

Batobalonos said that when they were about 100 meters from the shore, Saminskiy fired his gun.

The police heard the gunfire as their office is just near the shoreline.

They immediately responded and arrested Saminskiy who voluntarily turned over his .40 caliber pistol.

Also confiscated from Saminskiy were 14 rounds of ammunition, 10 empty shells, a fake identification card of the Interpolcom and a fake firearm license.

Police are now preparing complaints of alarm and scandal and illegal possession of firearm against Saminskiy. — (FREEMAN)