Cebu City Police nab 2 alleged hired guns

CEBU, Philippines - Two men suspected to be hired guns were caught Thursday night at Panganiban corner Colon streets, barangay C. Padilla, Cebu City.

After almost two years of searching, the police finally apprehended Arnel Gomez, 32, of El Flores Street, barangay Pasil, Cebu City.

Gomez was arrested on the strength of an arrest warrant issued by Judge Gilbert Moises of Regional Trial Court Branch 18 on 2009 for murder.

PO2 Alexander Arias of Police Station 6 at barangay San Nicolas, Cebu City told The FREEMAN that an informant tipped the police that night about Gomez's presence in the area.

Arias, with three other police officers, went to the area and saw Gomez standing on the sidewalk with a gun tucked on his waist at around 10:30 p.m.

Realizing that Gomez was armed, the team surprised the suspect when they apprehended him. Gomez allegedly tried to resist but afterward gave in.

Seized were 2 sachets containing white crystalline substance believed to be shabu and a loaded .45 caliber pistol. 

While Gomez was being arrested, a gunshot was fired towards the policemen's direction by a man later identified as Mark Anthony Robina, 28, a friend of Gomez's.

Robina, who is also an alleged gun for hire, immediately ran towards the interior part of the area and into a compound.

Anticipating an ambush, the team asked for assistance from the Cebu City Police Office Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT).

The SWAT later arrested Robina hiding inside a house.

The police, however, failed to recover the gun which he used.

Arias believed Robina threw the gun while being pursued by the police in the area.

Following Robina's capture, the SWAT seized from the house a medium pack of white crystalline substance believed to be shabu and several drug paraphernalia.

Gomez will face charges for violating Republic Act (RA) 8294 or the Illegal Possession of Firearm and Ammunition; and article 2, section 11 of RA 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Robina will likewise be charged with violation of RA 9165.

Both men are temporarily detained at the Police Station 6 detention cell. (FREEMAN)