Police arrest 2 in Kasambagan

CEBU – The elements of Cebu City Police Office Task Force Motorsiklo yesterday arrested a man after he was caught in possession of an unlicensed firearm when he passed by a police checkpoint at barangay Kasambagan at around 3 a.m.

Richard Ortega, 21, single of barangay Basak, Mandaue City was arrested by the team headed by Senior Insp. Michael Anthony Bastes that conducted a mobile checkpoint at F. Cabahug St., sitio Panagdait.

Bastes said Ortega failed to present any supporting documents of the .357 magnum revolver with five rounds of ammunition that was seized from his possession.

Ortega was allegedly riding a motorcycle bound for Cebu City, but upon seeing the policemen conducting checkpoint, he tried to go back but was eventually apprehended.

Bastes said he will verify the background of Ortega because it seems that his firearm had just been fired.

“Baho pa kaayong pulbora ang sumbohan sa armas,” Bastes said.

Ortega is presently detained at the Cebu City Police Office stockade pending the filing of proper charges against him.

In the same checkpoint, police also arrested Joseph Ababa, 23, single, of barangay Mantalongon, Barili for carrying a folding knife without valid purpose.

Bastes said Ababa would be charged for violating Batas Pambansa Bilang 6 that prohibits the carrying of deadly weapon without justification.

The police are intensifying checkpoint operations to counter the activities of the robbers, particularly those who are riding motorcycles.

City police director Patrocinio Comendador has advised the motorcycle riders to always carry the motorcycle’s registration aside from their driver’s license. — Rene U. Borromeo/WAB (THE FREEMAN)