Camp Olivas, City of San Fernando, Pampanga – On the morning of April 9, 2025, joint operatives from the Pampanga Provincial Intelligence Unit (PIU), Regional Intelligence Unit (RIU), SWAT Pampanga, 2nd and 1st Provincial Mobile Force Companies (PMFC), RID3, Arayat Municipal Police Station (MPS), and the Tactical Support Company (TSC) RMFB3 carried out two separate search warrant operations in Barangay San Mateo, Arayat, Pampanga. The operations led to the successful arrest of two individuals on charges under Republic Act No. 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
At around 9:20 AM, Search Warrant No. 25-13 was served at the residence of alias “Baby Ambo,” a 56-year-old married resident of San Mateo Road, Barangay San Mateo, Arayat. The warrant, issued by Hon. Robert Alexander Razon Malig, Executive Judge of the Regional Trial Court in San Fernando, Pampanga, on April 7, 2025, resulted in the confiscation of various firearms and ammunition. The seized items included one (1) 5.56mm M16 Colt rifle, four (4) short magazines, two (2) long magazines, two (2) magazines for a .45 pistol, a rifle grenade, 236 rounds of 5.56mm live ammunition, and other related items.
Simultaneously, Search Warrant No. 25-12 was executed at the residence of alias “Amang,” a 72-year-old resident of San Mateo Road, Barangay San Mateo. This search led to the seizure of a Remington Rand .45 caliber pistol, three (3) M16 rifle magazines with live ammunition, a disassembled M16 rifle upper and lower receiver, and another rifle grenade.
Both suspects were arrested and brought to the Arayat Municipal Police Station for processing. The confiscated firearms and ammunition were transported to the PIU office for further documentation and handling.
In preparation for the upcoming National and Local Elections (NLE) on May 12, 2025, PBGen Jean S. Fajardo, Regional Director of Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3), stressed the critical need to address the threat posed by loose firearms. “As we approach the May 2025 NLE, ensuring that all firearms are properly registered and accounted for remains a top priority for PRO3. These recent operations in Arayat are part of our ongoing efforts to eliminate illegal firearms and ensure public safety,” said PBGen Fajardo.
She also emphasized the importance of vigilance in monitoring and confiscating unlicensed firearms in the region, adding, “We are committed to working closely with all stakeholders to ensure the safe and peaceful conduct of the elections. The Philippine National Police will not tolerate any form of election-related violence and will continue to pursue individuals unlawfully possessing firearms.”
