Guns, explosives seized from Masbate mayor, vice mayor’s house, resort

MANILA, Philippines — High-powered firearms and explosives were seized from the house and a resort owned by the mayor and vice mayor of Batuan town in Masbate yesterday.

Senior Superintendent Bernard Banac said the raid on the properties of Mayor Charmax Jan Yuson and his father Charlie Yuson III in Barangay Canvanez occurred at around 6:30 a.m.

The local executives and their alleged cohort, barangay councilman Severo Basas, were not present during the raid.

A security guard identified as Jeason Cabantac was taken into custody for possession of an unlicensed shotgun.

“This is a result of the PNP’s (Philippine National Police) intensified campaign to enforce the law with the support of the people of Masbate,” Banac said in a text message.

Personnel of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) in Bicol recovered two M16 rifles, two 12 gauge shotguns and a caliber .45 caliber pistol. Two grenades were also confiscated.

Senior Superintendent Arnold Ardiente, CIDG regional office head, said they would file charges against the Yusons for illegal possession of firearms and explosives.