DAVAO CITY: A barangay captain of Kiblawan, Davao del Sur was arrested in his residence on Thursday for violating the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.

The suspect was identified as Edwin Pactor Loon Sr., chairman of Barangay Bonifacio in Kiblawan, Davao del Sur.

The arrest of Loon was made by virtue of a search warrant for the violation of Republic Act 10591 issued by Judge Carfelita Cadiente-Flores of Branch 61, Digos City, Davao del Sur dated Jan. 12, 2023.

The search warrant was served by the personnel of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG).

The operating team, composed of personnel from the CIDG Davao del Sur Provincial Field Unit and other police units, recovered a Beretta 9mm pistol, 3 magazines, 27 ammunition for 9mm and a black sling bag from the suspect.

Another person, Arias Zambo Alfredo, 67 and a farmer, was also arrested in the same place.

Alfredo was caught in possession of an unlicensed M1 Garand rifle, M16 A1 rifle, magazines, bullets and bandoliers.

The arrested persons and seized items were brought to the CIDG office in Davao del Sur for documentation and were subsequently turned over to Kiblawan Municipal Police Station for detention.

Charges for the violation of RA 10591 or the 'Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act' against the suspects are being prepared for filing at the Office of the City Prosecutor, Digos City.

CIDG-11 acting director LtCol. Jovit Culaway said his office will continue to strengthen the implementation of the firearms law.

Culaway also vows to suppress the proliferation of loose firearms in the region, which are frequently used by criminals and lawbreakers.