Police arrested a 28-year-old man after an alleged indiscriminate firing incident in Claveria, Cagayan on June 28.
The Philippine National Police said the suspect, identified only by the alias “Bugoy,” was arrested during a hot pursuit operation by the Claveria Municipal Police Station and the Quick Reaction Team of the 2nd Cagayan Provincial Mobile Force Company.
Initial investigation showed that the suspect allegedly went to the residence of his brother-in-law in Barangay Luzon, Claveria, and repeatedly challenged him to come outside for a fight.
When no one responded, the suspect allegedly fired several rounds before fleeing aboard a gray vehicle toward Abulug, Cagayan.
Police recovered six fired 5.56 mm cartridge cases, three fired .45 caliber cartridge cases, and one live 5.56 mm round from the scene.
Responding police units later arrested the suspect while he was allegedly hiding inside a compound in Barangay Centro 8, Claveria.
Authorities said the suspect is a member of the Philippine Army.
Seized from him were an M16 rifle, a .22 caliber rifle with scope, a .45 caliber pistol, magazines, live ammunition, a bladed weapon, a mission order, an AFP identification card, a License to Own and Possess Firearms identification card, a Philippine Army uniform, tactical gear, a sling bag, and the vehicle allegedly used in his escape.
Police said the recovered items were inventoried in the presence of barangay officials before the suspect was brought to the Claveria Municipal Police Station for documentation and the filing of criminal charges.
PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. commended the operating units for their quick response and said the law must apply equally to everyone.
“The rule of law applies equally to everyone. The PNP will continue to act decisively against criminal acts to protect our communities and preserve public order,” Nartatez said.
“Walang sinuman ang nakahihigit sa batas. Ang bawat lumalabag ay pananagutin upang mapanatili ang kapayapaan at kaayusan sa ating mga komunidad,” he added.