A fisherman in Panganiban town spent Christmas night behind bars after he was arrested by the police for threatening a family and illegally discharging an unlicensed firearm.
The Catanduanes Police Provincial Office said responding law enforcers apprehended the 33-year-old man following a violent altercation at a residence in barangay Cagdarao.
It quoted a report from the town police station that at about 4:30 PM, the suspect and the victim were engaged in a drinking spree when a heated argument ensued between them.
The suspect then drew a firearm hidden inside his short pants and pointed it at the victim and three famiky members including two minors.
In a harrowing moment, the victim acted as a human shield to protect his family while his wife pleaded with the suspect to spare their lives.
As the suspect fled the scene, he fired three shots into the ground.
Upon receiving the report, elements of the Panganiban Municipal Police Station (MPS), led by PCpt. Jefferson G Escasinas, assistant chief of police, and personnel from the Catanduanes 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC), led by force commander PLt. Col. Joseph Abel D. Jarabejo, immediately responded to the scene.
A hot pursuit operation was launched, resulting in the suspect’s arrest at the residence of the barangay chairman. A source identified the suspect as one Roberto Balmaceda Jr..
Police also recovered the one (1) unit caliber 9mm pistol (NP22) with serial number 6006984; one (1) black holster; one (1) empty magazine; one (1) magazine loaded with six (6) live rounds; and thirty-three (33) pieces of full metal live ammunition concealed in a purple sock;
The suspect failed to present any legal documents or licenses for the firearm and ammunition. He is now in police custody and will face charges for Violation of RA 11926 (Illegal Discharge of Firearm) and Violation of RA 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act).
The Panganiban MPS has coordinated with the Provincial Operations and Management Unit (POMU) for firearm verification and proper disposition of the evidence.
Meanwhile, Provincial Director PCol. Elmer R. Cereno commended the personnel of the Panganiban MPS and the Cat2nd PMFC for the swift and highly coordinated response. He further emphasized that the police force will remain vigilant this holiday season.
“The safety of our community remains our top priority, especially during the holiday season. We will not tolerate any form of lawlessness that endangers the lives of our citizens, particularly our children.”