San Isidro, Tungawan, Zamboanga Sibugay — May 19, 2025
A 21-year-old man was apprehended early Monday morning for possession of an unlicensed firearm during the culmination of Araw ng Barangay San Isidro in Purok Capadelion, Tungawan town.
According to the Tungawan Municipal Police Station, a barangay official from San Isidro reported a suspicious individual loitering near the disco event at around 5:00 AM. The celebration was part of the barangay’s culminating activities.
Responding personnel from the police station, in coordination with the local Election Officer, quickly proceeded to the area and arrived around 5:45 AM. They identified the suspect, who appeared intoxicated and was observed with a suspicious bulge resembling the grip of a firearm on his side.
Soldiers from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAA), and barangay officials with civilian volunteer organizations (CVOs) approached the man. When questioned, he reportedly acted unruly, prompting authorities to conduct a plain view and incidental search.
The search led to the confiscation of a homemade .38 caliber revolver with defaced markings and five live rounds of ammunition. The suspect failed to produce any legal documents for the firearm.
He was turned over to the responding police officers, who informed him of his constitutional rights and the provisions of the Anti-Torture Act in a dialect he understood. The suspect, along with the firearm and ammunition, was brought to the Tungawan Police Station for temporary custody.
Authorities said appropriate charges will be filed against him in violation of the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.