Loot asks cops to explain inaction on Danao gun cache

The Danao City Police Office may face investigation if they fail to submit within 48 hours an explanation on their alleged failure to act in the case against a barangay captain who claimed to own a cache of guns found last Saturday afternoon.

Cebu provincial police director, S/Supt. Vicente Loot said that he directed Danao City police station chief, Insp. Larson Dechino to explain their failure to file charges against those involved.

Members of the 78th Infantry Battalion who were conducting a combat patrol in the vicinity of a poultry farm in barangay Looc confiscated the firearms allegedly owned by Looc barangay captain Antonio Alvaro.

Loot said the police in Danao City should initiate steps in filing the charges.

Loot said his further action will depend on the explanation and justification of Dechino over the incident. He said police should also summon Alvaro, who allegedly claimed ownership of the firearms.

A report reaching the Cebu Provincial Police Office revealed that soldiers found a sack containing an improvised M14 rifle, three .22 cal. revolvers, an MK4 fragmentation grenade and a .45 cal. Pistol inside a hut.

The sack also had ammunition for an M16 rifle, M1 Carbine rifle, 9mm pistol, .45 cal. pistol, and .38 cal. revolver as well as holsters, empty shells and magazines.

The soldiers turned over the confiscated firearms to the city police department. - Jose P. Sollano