Village official nabbed in Toledo gun raid

Local

A BARANGAY councilor in Toledo City, Cebu was arrested in a police raid on Wednesday dawn, April 15.

Police said an unlicensed .45 caliber pistol and seven bullets were recovered from the house of Richard Habasaka, a 43-year-old councilor in Barangay Pangamihan, Toledo.

The raid was carried out by operatives of the Provincial Intelligence Unit.

A search warrant issued by the Vice-Executive Judge of the Regional Trial Court Branch 59 in Toledo was issued in the raid.

Police said the village official is facing charges for violation of Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.

The raid stemmed from complaints that Habasaka was repeatedly seen brandishing a firearm, police said.

The complaints were confirmed when police placed the village official under surveillance.

Col. Abubakar Mangelen Jr., chief of the Cebu Provincial Police Office, lauded the immediate action taken against the village official.

“This operation underscores the strength of our intelligence-driven policing and our firm resolve to rid our communities of loose firearms. We will not allow anyone regardless of position to put public safety at risk. Let this serve as a clear message: Cebu is not a sanctuary for lawless elements," said Mangelen.

Mangelen said the intensified campaign against loose firearms will continue to help maintain peace and order in the province.(CDB)