Arrested driver yields gun, grenade

CEBU, Philippines - A .38 cal. pistol and a hand grenade were confiscated from a motorcycle-for-hire driver after he reportedly fired outside his residence in Sitio Candarong, Barangay Pulangbato, Cebu City last Wednesday afternoon.

Sherwin Velasquez, 40, was arrested by the elements of the Special Weapons and Tactics in Barangay Pit-Os.

Police Officer 3 Ricky Coca, team leader sa Motorcycle Riding Unit-North, said while they were conducting patrol in Talamban area, two barangay tanods and a woman sought their assistance regarding a man who fired a gun.

He said they saw Velasquez in the area holding the gun and was running towards a multicab.

Coca said an Mk2 fragmentation hand grenade was found inside Velasquez’ pocket. Aside from the revolver, four live ammunitions and two empty shells were also recovered.

Investigation showed that prior the firing incident, Velasquez had an argument with his wife, Jovy, regarding a third party affair. He reportedly hit his wife that caused the contusion on the back of her body.

However, Jovy said they had a fight after she saw her husband with another woman in their neighborhood. She also defended her husband, saying that the firearms and explosive came from the multicab which the other woman owned.

She added that she will not file a case against her husband since she already forgave him. Jovy and Velasquez have been together for 24 years. They have five children.

Velasquez will face charges for illegal possession of firearms in violation to Republic Act 10591. He was recently released from jail after committing the same violation.  — Grace Melanie I. Lacamiento/JMD (FREEMAN)