Man nabbed in Toledo City over gun threats, unlicensed firearm

CEBU CITY, Philippines — A 47-year-old man remains in police custody after authorities allegedly recovered an unlicensed .45-caliber pistol and ammunition from his residence during the implementation of a search warrant in Barangay Poblacion, Toledo City, on Tuesday evening, July 28.

The search was conducted at 8:03 p.m. along Rafols Street in Barangay Poblacion by personnel of the Toledo City Police Station.

In a statement released on Wednesday, July 29, the Toledo City Police Station said the man, identified only by the alias “Poypoy,” was arrested following a search warrant operation that stemmed from complaints and an earlier alleged gun-pointing incident in the area.

Complaints, alleged gun threat

Police said the operation stemmed from complaints from residents saying that the respondent frequently threatened people and was quick to draw a firearm.

According to police, the complaints prompted further investigation after officers responded to a July 18 incident near Gutang Dental Clinic in Barangay Poblacion, where the respondent reportedly pointed a firearm at another person while reportedly intoxicated and causing a disturbance.

Following the incident, the station’s Intelligence Unit conducted surveillance and intelligence validation on July 24 and 25, during which officers observed the respondent repeatedly carrying a .45-caliber pistol.

Police also alleged that they received information indicating that a loose firearm and ammunition were being kept inside the respondent’s residence and were allegedly being used to threaten other people by discharging it.

These findings led investigators to apply for a search warrant, which was later granted by the Regional Trial Court Branch 59 in Toledo City after the court found probable cause.

Firearm, ammunition recovered

During the implementation of the warrant, police said they recovered the following: one .45-caliber pistol without a serial number, one steel magazine for the pistol, and three live rounds of .45-caliber ammunition.

Police said the respondent remains in the custody of the Toledo City Police Station while documents are being prepared for the filing of charges for the alleged violation of the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act before the Office of the City Prosecutor in Toledo City.

Public urged to report similar activities

Police Lieutenant Colonel Verniño B. Noserale, chief of the Toledo City Police Station, said the arrest and seizure of the firearm would help reduce incidents involving loose and unlicensed firearms.

“Ang kalinaw sa komunidad dili mahimong ikompromiso sa kahadlok nga dala sa mga loose firearms. Ang among tumong dili lamang ang pagdakop sa mga naglapas sa balaod, kondili ang pagpugong sa posibleng krimen ug pagpanalipod sa kinabuhi,” he said.

(The peace in our community cannot be compromised due to fear brought by loose firearms. Our goal is not only to arrest violators but also to prevent potential crimes and protect lives. )

Police also encouraged residents to continue reporting suspected illegal activities, saying public cooperation remains essential in preventing crime and maintaining community safety.

Disclaimer: The comments uploaded on this site do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of management and owner of Cebudailynews. We reserve the right to exclude comments that we deem to be inconsistent with our editorial standards.