Cops arrest 2 Navotas residents for illegal possession of firearms

Police arrested two Navotas residents for carrying firearms outside their residence despite President Arroyo’s declaration of a state of national emergency last Friday.

Rodolfo Cayetano Jr., 43, was also apprehended for indiscriminate firing, police said.

At around midnight Saturday, police was informed that Cayetano, a resident of Block 1, Lot 15, Phase I-C, North Bay Boulevard South (NBBS) in Dagat-Dagatan, was creating trouble in the neighborhood and firing his handgun indiscriminately.

SPO1 Charlie Bontigao said that Cayetano even tried to put up a fight when apprehended but was overpowered by the cops.

Seized from Cayetano was a licensed .9mm pistol with a Permit To Carry Firearms Outside of Residence (PTCFOR) and the gun’s two magazines each loaded with four live bullets.

Bontigao said two spent shells were also seized from the suspect.

On the other hand, Loreto Arnel Velasco, 35, a resident of Oliveros Street in Barangay Tangos, was arrested at around 1:35 a.m. yesterday.

PO1 Alvin Santos was on routine "Night Watch" patrol with barangay watchmen when his team accosted Velasco near the Oliveros Public Market in Barangay Tangos for carrying an unlicensed caliber .38 revolver. The gun was loaded with two bullets.

Police said the two suspects could face more serious charges for directly defying the PNP order in connection with Proclamation 1017.

Northern Police District Office (NPDO) director Chief Superintendent Leopoldo Bataoil earlier reminded legitimate gun holders to refrain from carrying firearms outside of their residence.

Bataoil said permit to carry firearms for civilians was canceled with the declaration of a state of national emergency.