Habal-habal driver arrested for illegal possession of gun

CEBU, Philippines — A 42-year-old habal-habal driver who reportedly tried to evade a police checkpoint was arrested Monday night along MJ Cuenco Avenue in Barangay T. Padilla, Cebu City.

Operatives of Parian Police Station accosted Jose Edgar Encarnacion Bohol, Jr. after trying to escape from a checkpoint at 9:55 p.m. on April 1. Bohol, a resident of Arellano Boulevard, Barangay San Roque, Cebu City was found in possession of a handgun.

Patrolman Ronel Alqueza pursued Bohol when the latter made a sudden U-turn upon seeing the checkpoint. Alqueza said the suspect tried to draw his gun but was timely subdued by the responding police officer.

Bohol could not present any document to prove his possession of the firearm was authorized prompting the police to arrest him. Recovered from the suspect was a .45 caliber pistol with six rounds of ammunition.

Bohol is currently detained at the custodial facility of Parian Police Station while a case against him for violation of Republic Act 10591 also known as the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act is being processed. — (FREEMAN)