ZAMBOANGA CITY (Mindanao Examiner / Dec. 19, 2013) – Police arrested a 38-year old man for illegally possessing a pistol inside a posh hotel in Zamboanga City in southern Philippines, officials said Thursday.
Officials said the man, Jeffrey Antonio, had a gun on his waist when spotted by policemen at the Garden Orchid Hotel. When confronted, Antonio, who was wearing a pair of green camouflage short pants, introduced himself as a policeman and also showed two identification cards claiming he is a confidential police agent.
Chief Inspector Ariel Huesca, a regional police spokesman, said Antonio failed to show any gun permits allowing his to carry a .45-caliber pistol and ammunition. He said Antonio’s presence at the hotel coincided with the elections of the local village council officers.
Antonio, who resides in the village of Talon-Talon, was arrested by members of the Zamboanga City Public Safety Company led by SPO3 Abdurahman Estino.
“Prior to the arrest of the suspect, the arresting police team was at the said hotel conducting security in connection with the election of President of the Association of Barangay Council when they noticed the suspect wearing camouflage green short pant with firearm tucked on his waist,” Huesca said.
“When accosted, subject introduced himself as a policeman allegedly assigned with Zamboanga City Police Station 6 in Tetuan and presented two confidential agent identification cards issued by the said police station. However, he failed to present any document authorizing him to possess and carry the said firearms, hence, he was arrested. Subject was brought to Zamboanga City Police Station where he is currently detained while appropriate charges will be filed in court against him.”
Police are still examining the gun. It was not immediately known what Antonio was doing at the hotel. (Mindanao Examiner)
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