A 53-year-old man identified only by the alias “Bogoy”, reportedly a barangay watchman, was arrested by police after authorities implemented a court-issued search warrant at his residence in Purok 2, Barangay Payasan, Lianga, Surigao del Sur, on August 8, 2026.
The operation targeted the alleged possession of an undocumented firearm, in violation of Republic Act 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act. Police said the suspect was taken into custody after the search conducted at his home yielded a .45-caliber pistol and ammunition.
The operation was led by PCPT. Micko Alunan S. Ampatuan, Acting Chief of Police of the Lianga Municipal Police Station, in coordination with the Regional Intelligence Unit 13 (RIU 13) and the Surigao del Sur Provincial Intelligence Team (RIU-SDSPIT) under the leadership of PLT Bobby Kenz Melendez.
During the operation, authorities confiscated one .45-caliber pistol bearing serial number 958593, two magazines for a .45-caliber pistol, 13 rounds of .45-caliber ammunition, and one black sling bag. The seized items were taken into police custody for proper documentation and examination as part of the investigation.
Police said the arrest stemmed from allegations that the suspect was keeping a firearm without the required licenses and supporting documents. Under RA 10591, the unlawful acquisition, possession, or carrying of firearms and ammunition may result in criminal charges, depending on the circumstances and evidence established by authorities.
Bogoy remains under police custody while investigators complete the necessary documentation and prepare the appropriate complaint for filing before the prosecutor’s office. Authorities are also continuing their investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the firearm’s possession, including its ownership, source, and whether it may have been used in any other incident.
The operation underscores the continuing police campaign against the proliferation of undocumented firearms in communities, particularly amid efforts to prevent the use of unlicensed weapons in criminal activities and other security incidents.