ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR, Philippines — Police arrested a former barangay captain and Association of Barangay Captains (ABC) president in Sominot town after authorities discovered multiple unlicensed firearms and ammunition during a search warrant operation on Sunday, September 14.
The suspect was identified as Edilito Abear Anislag, 53, a resident of Purok 1, Barangay San Miguel, Sominot.
According to reports, the operation was conducted by the Sominot Municipal Police Station under PCPT Elvin B. Rosales, with support from the Regional Intelligence Division 9 (RID9) led by PCPT Dexter R. Dalena, and the 902nd Maneuver Company, RMFB9 under PLTCOL Jason M. Apana. The team implemented Search Warrant No. 2K25-09-08-35 issued by RTC Branch 30 Executive Judge Analyn F. Ramas-Costanilla.
The raid, carried out between 12:40 p.m. and 2:05 p.m. at Anislag’s residence, yielded the following items:
- One .45 caliber Colt pistol with serial number 58884B
- Two .45 caliber magazine assemblies
- Sixteen live .45 caliber rounds
- Six live 12-gauge shotgun shells
- One homemade improvised shotgun (no serial number)
- One improvised 12-gauge magazine assembly
- One .38 caliber revolver (no serial number)
- One gray Fila bag
The search was documented using an Alternative Recording Device in compliance with A.M. No. 21-06-08-SC, or the Supreme Court’s rules on the use of body-worn cameras. Barangay Captain Edwin C. Gonzaga and Barangay Kagawad Benjamin Ormilla served as witnesses during the operation.
Authorities said Anislag was properly informed of his constitutional rights before being taken into custody. He and the confiscated firearms were brought to the Sominot Municipal Police Station for proper disposition.
Anislag will face charges for violation of Republic Act 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.