Retired cop arrested; firearms, grenade, ammo confiscated

CEBU, Philippines - Several pieces of firearms and ammunitions were seized from a retired police officer who was arrested in a raid by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-7 in Barangay Talamban, Cebu City.

Benjamin Bontilao Arconada, was arrested after he was reported by his neighbors for brandishing his firearms, creating fear amongst them.

Based on the report, CIDG-7 personnel were sent to conduct surveillance for a month to verify the complaints.

Superintendent Fermin Armendarez III, CIDG-7 deputy chief, said that after verifying, they immediately applied for a search warrant which was later issued by Regional Trial Court Judge Soliver Peras of Branch 10 in Cebu City

Armendarez said they have received numerous reports that Arconada is said to be abusive and the neighbors fear for their own lives.

During the raid, the police disclosed that they were surprised to see high-powered firearms and several ammunitions from Arconada’s residence.

The raiding team confiscated a caliber 223-5.56 baby armalite, a caliber .9mm pistol, a black widow caliber 22 magnum, two fragmentation grenades and two hand grenades.

They also recovered 17 pieces of 40mm high explosive rounds, 88 12-gauge shotgun live ammos, 20 short magazines, and several live ammos including several live ammunitions.

CIDG-7 confirmed from the Firearms Explosive Security Guards and Agencies Supervisory Section  that Arconada has not applied nor issued licenses from that office.

Arconada will be facing charges for violation of RA 10591 or the Comprehensive Law on Weapons and Ammunitions.

Meanwhile, a 67-year-old car washer was shot dead by still unidentified men on board a motorcycle in Barangay Calamba, Cebu City Sunday evening.

Benjamin Fernandez, a resident of Sitio Menolida, Barangay Calamba died after sustaining several gunshot wounds on different parts of his body.

Initial investigation revealed that the victim was sitting on the side of the road along V. Rama Avenue and was resting after cleaning cars when two men onboard a motorcycle stopped a meters away from Fernandez’ location. The back rider reportedly got off from the motorcycle and shot Fernandez many times.

According to a witness, the shooter, who was hard to identify because the area was poorly-lit, approached Fernandez and shot from a close distance.

The gunmen immediately left, heading towards Barangay Guadalupe.

Fernandez’ live-in partner, Maria Theresa Padayao, rushed Fernandez to the Cebu City Medical Center but the victim was pronounced dead minutes later by the attending physician.

Police recovered six empty shells and one slug of a caliber 45 pistol from the crime scene.  (FREEMAN)