Police seize firearms from village exec

Authorities have arrested at about 2 am yesterday, April 21, twelve people including the barangay chairwoman of Sitio Gango, barangay Kinawe, Libona town, Bukidnon for illegal possession of firearms and explosives.

Police and military operatives served 6 search warrants for the five houses owned by Kinawe village chief Cherry Barros which led to her and her two sons’ arrest. Barros’ sons were identified as Michael Barros and Peter Gore, Jr.

The warrants were issued by Judge Mirabeaus Undalok of the 10th Judicial Region, Branch 43, based in Gingoog City.

Three government soldiers were wounded in the conduct of the search namely Corporal Rafael Salido, Corporal Fernando Dumpa Jr., and Corporal Daniel Manatad.

First Lieutenant Tere Ingente, spokesperson of the 4th Infantry Division (4ID), said the soldiers are now in stable condition and being treated at the Camp Evangelista Station Hospital and in another private hospital in the city.

Ingente said one of the soldiers was hit in his right foot, the other at the right side of the head, while the third was hit at the left side of his chest.

Superintendent Melgar Devaras, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Cagayan de Oro deputy chief, said the firefight lasted for about 30 minutes.

Devaras, the raiding team’s leader, said two of Barros’ cohorts were able to escape in the ensuing firefight . He identified one of the suspects at-large as Cherry Barros’ husband, Tarsicio Barros, also the former barangay chair of Kinawe, and one of the targets of the search warrant.

Devaras said they are investigating the alleged private army of the Barros family.

Also arrested were, Jenny Cris Balucan, Jenifer Bartolaba, Arlene Valeriano, Merlie Flores, Marializa Ponce, Renee Fe, Marje Yap Dontar, Jon Eric Medina, Jonie Quilicot, Melito Maning, Nicasio Ponce, Zosimo Bation, Monry Villanueva, Joseph Padayhag, Juniel Dontar, and Solomon Flores.

Police recovered some 12 assorted firearms, all of which were said to be owned by her Tarsicio Barros.