Cops seize anti-tank rockets, high-powered firearms from Parojinog hotel, security firm

Authorities have recovered various high-powered firearms, including two anti-tank rockets, during a raid in the closed businesses of Ozamiz City Councilor Ricardo "Ardot" Parojinog on Sunday evening.

Ozamiz City Police head Chief Inspector Jovie Espenido said the raid at the Dottie's Inn hotel and the MROP Security Agency in Barangay Banadero area was conducted by virtue of an arrest warrant.

Aside from the anti-tank rockets, Espenido said the raiding team recovered two rocket-propelled grenades, three rifle grenades, 15 12-gauge shotguns, 18 9mm firearms, eight .38 revolvers, and an M16 rifle.

Police also seized 148 live ammunition for the 9mm, 73 bullets for the revolvers, and 17 magazines for M16 rifle.

The caretaker of Dottie's Inn and MROP Security Agency was brought in for questioning.

Espenido said they applied a search warrant for the hotel after receiving a tip that several firearms and ammunition were being stored in the establishment.

He said they also raided a farm in Barangay Sangay Daku, owned by an aide of Parojinog identified as a certqani Ian Dionson and recovered 250 grams of shabu, two rifles grenades, two 40mm rifles, an M16 rifle and an M203 grenade.

Police did not find Dionson at the farm. Its caretaker, Elmer Prenio, was instead brought to the police station for questioning.

President Rodrigo Duterte had offered a P5-million bounty for the arrest of the councilor Parojinog, whose family has been linked to illegal drug operations.

The Bureau of Immigration has a standing lookout bulletin order against Parojinog.

The councilor went into hiding after Ozamiz City policemen raided their family's homes in July last year.

His brother late Ozamiz City mayor Reynaldo Parojinog and 14 others were killed in the raid.

The former mayor's daughter, former vice mayor Nova Princess Parojinog and, and son Reynaldo Jr. were arrested. —report from Neptalie Batolenio/Joseph Tristan Roxas/ALG, GMA News