Barangay captain in Laguna arrested for possession of loose firearms

A barangay captain in Bay, Laguna was nabbed early Thursday morning for possession of loose firearms.

In a Balitanghali report by John Consulta, San Nicolas barangay captain Esteban Salas said that he had not been able to renew his firearms license because he is sick and did not have enough money.

"Talagang nag-try ako minsan, pinapabalik-balik ako. Ang aming allowance dito eh hindi kayang bumuhay ng pamilya. Lilimang libo," Salas said.

The excuse did not fly with Sr. Supt. Vic Cabatingan, chief of the Laguna Provincial Intelligence Branch. "2013, ano na tayo ngayon? 2017 na tayo. So napakahabang panahon na," he said in the report. "Ang laki ng appliances niya doon tapos nag-acquire pa siya ng mga mamahaling aso, may mga sasakyan... Papaano pa maniniwala 'yung constituent mo doon, mga kabarangay mo kung ikaw mismo nagpossess ka ng baril na wala namang kaukulang lisensya?"

Seized during the operation conducted by Laguna Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) and Laguna Provincial Intelligence Branch were one .45 Colt pistol, one Norinco 12-gauge shotgun, magazines and more than 40 assorted bullets.

Authorities will continue their operation against people who own unregistered firearms.

"Wala tayong sisinuhin na tao. Kahit siya elected [official] o kahit siya'y ordinaryong tao, basta siya nagpo-possess ng illegal firearms, itong mga baril na ito ay pwedeng magamit ng mga kriminal," said Sr. Supt. Cecilio Ison, provincial director of Laguna police. — Anna Felicia Bajo/BM/KVD, GMA News