Elderly arrested for illegal possession of firearms and grave threats

By BiliranIsland.com Staff
BiliranIsland.com
Published 12:50 PM, February 1, 2023

Caibiran, Biliran— Two charges were filed by the local police against a septuagenarian after he was arrested for grave threat and illegal possession of firearms about 1:30 in the afternoon on Monday, Jan 30 in Brgy. Asug here.

Caibiran COP Police Capt. Vic R. Viros identified the suspect as Lolito Panes, 74, widower, jobless, a resident of the said place.

Case investigator Police Staff Sergeant Michael Nierras in an interview said that the charges stemmed after Michael Masong, 46, married, fisherman and a resident of the said place reported to their station that he was threatened by the suspect who was then armed with an unknown firearm. He said that acting on the said complaint they immediately responded to the place to verify the veracity of the report and upon arrival caught in the act the suspect in possession of the firearm which was a .38 caliber revolver loaded with five live ammunition and one side holster color black.

Initial investigation conducted by Sergeant Nierras disclosed that the differences between the victim and the suspect ensued after the suspect cut bamboos owned by the victim early that morning. The victim confronted the suspect why he cut bamboo without his permission when it was not his. The suspect who reportedly got angry allegedly told the victim to wait for him so he will find what he is looking for.

When the suspect returned to the area the suspect was already armed with a firearm placed inside a holster.

The suspect did not elude arrest when he was arrested by witnesses by Kagawad Felmar Quiñones, who also escorted the suspect to the police station.

Charges of violations of Article 282 of the RPC held liable for Grave Threats and RA 10591, the Comprehensive Law against Illegal Possession of Firearms, Ammunitions and Explosives were filed at the Provincial Prosecutor today.