Charges filed against cop, four others for possession of firearms

CEBU, Philippines - A police officer and four others are facing charges before the Cebu City Prosecutor’s Office for allegedly carrying unlicensed firearms on board a passenger vessel.

The operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-7 filed on Thursday a complaint for violation of Republic Act 10591, otherwise known as the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, against Police Officer 2 Romeo Bolaño, assigned at the San Fernando Police Station, Dexci Gomonet, Raniel Commandante, Benhur Gamutan, and Joseph Lagura.

CIDG-7 deputy chief Superintendent Fermin Armendarez III earlier disclosed that on January 28, they received a report that there were armed persons onboard the MV Filipinas of Cokaliong Shipping Lines bound for Cebu City from Dumaguete City.

Armendarez said his men and members of the Special Weapons and Tactics responded to the port.

There were reportedly firearms seen inside a black Strada pickup van on board the ship.

Prior to his arrest, Bolaño allegedly engaged in an argument with the ship crew when he was asked to proceed to his deck accommodation.

Bolaño reportedly insisted to stay inside the van. However, the guard told Bolaño to follow his order as per policy of the shipping company.

Bolaño allegedly threatened the crew and said that they had several firearms inside the van, prompting the crew to report the matter to their captain.

The captain then called for police assistance.

The CIDG-7 recovered a caliber 9mm pistol from Bolaño, two caliber 22 rifles, a caliber 9mm pistol, a caliber 40 pistol, a caliber 8 mm revolver, and several ammunition from Gomonet, Commandante, Gamutan and Lagura.  — Mylen P. Manto/ATO (FREEMAN)