The Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) impounded a vehicle and seized a suspected illegal firearm during an anti-carnapping operation in Iligan City.
According to the PNP-HPG, personnel of the City Highway Patrol Team in Iligan were conducting anti-carnapping operations and enforcing Republic Act No. 4136, or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code, along the National Highway in Barangay Suarez at around 12:15 am when they flagged down a black Toyota Vios with plate number NHR 2221.
The vehicle was initially stopped after the driver was seen not wearing a seatbelt.
During inspection, police said the driver failed to present documents proving ownership of the vehicle. He later allegedly pretended to contact the registered owner but suddenly fled toward a nearby residential area.
Authorities pursued the unidentified man, but he managed to escape.
A technical inspection and inventory of the vehicle later led to the discovery of a Colt caliber-.45 pistol with serial number 70G71757, loaded with live ammunition, concealed between the driver’s seat and the handbrake area.
Police also recovered three magazines and 27 rounds of live ammunition from the vehicle.
The inventory of the confiscated firearm and ammunition was witnessed by elected barangay officials of Barangay Suarez.
The impounded vehicle and seized firearm were brought to the City Highway Patrol Team office in Iligan for documentation, verification, and proper disposition.
PNP-HPG director Brig. Gen. Rommel Batangan said the operation underscored the importance of sustained anti-carnapping efforts and strict enforcement of traffic laws in preventing crime.
“Routine inspections and intelligence-driven operations remain vital in detecting unlawfully possessed firearms and ensuring public safety along major roadways,” Batangan said.
The PNP-HPG urged the public to report suspicious activities, illegal firearms, and questionable vehicle movements to authorities.