Suspected thief held for gun possession

CEBU, Philippines - An alleged robber was arrested Tuesday afternoon in barangay Candulawan, Talisay City for alleged illegal possession of a firearm.

Seized from Jiovanie Dela Cerna, 33, a resident of the place, by police and barangay officials were a black bag containing a .45 caliber pistol, two magazines for the handgun, and 21 bullets placed in a pouch.

Inspector Hugo Rio Ipong said the arrest of dela Cerna was in response to a report they received about an armed person who was linked to a number of robberies in the area.

Ipong said together with some barangay officials, they watched the area to verify the report. And then they saw dela Cerna carrying a handgun.

Ipong said reports pointed to dela Cerna being linked to robberies in some areas in Talisay and in neighboring cities.

Dela Cerna allegedly is not a permanent resident of Candulawan, that he was allegedly seen transferring from one place to another.

Ipong said they will conduct a background check on the suspect to find out whether he is indeed a notorious thief.

The police will file charges against the man in the City Prosecutor’s Office. - THE FREEMAN