15-2-2025 (MANILA) Two men with prior criminal records were apprehended during the early hours of Wednesday at a police checkpoint in Sitio Udiongan, Barangay Macabud, after authorities discovered they were carrying weapons and riding motorcycles without proper documentation.
The arrests occurred around 2 a.m. when police officers manning the checkpoint stopped the suspects, aged 43 and 31, who were travelling separately on motorcycles without protective helmets, a violation of basic traffic regulations.
Rodriguez Police Chief Lieutenant Colonel Paul Sabulao reported that upon inspection, neither suspect could produce a driving licence or vehicle registration papers. A subsequent search revealed that the 43-year-old was carrying what appeared to be a Beretta Taurus pistol, which was later confirmed to be a replica, along with a knife. The 31-year-old suspect was found in possession of a loaded .38 caliber firearm containing six rounds of ammunition.
According to Lt Col Sabulao, both men were previously incarcerated. “The first suspect has an established history of motorcycle theft in the Montalban area and was recently released from prison, where he had served time for drug-related offences and theft,” he disclosed. “Similarly, the second suspect had been imprisoned in Quezon City for drug possession and theft charges.”
When questioned about the weapons, the 43-year-old suspect denied ownership of the replica firearm, claiming it belonged to his girlfriend’s brother. He justified carrying the knife by citing security concerns in his neighbourhood. The younger suspect professed ignorance about the genuine firearm, stating he was merely “passing through” due to reports of robbery in the area.
Both men are currently detained at the Rodriguez Municipal Police Station’s custodial facility. They face charges of Illegal Possession of Firearms and violations of the Land Transportation and Traffic Code (RA 4136).
