Cagayan cops arrest 7, seize firearms after gun battle erupts during search warrant operation for ex-army

Solana, Cagayan – Seven individuals were arrested while various high-caliber firearms and ammunition were confiscated in Solana, Cagayan when authorities attempted to serve a search warrant on an ex-army personnel.

Cagayan police proceeded to the residence of the suspect at Sitio Camagong, Sampaguita morning of Sunday, May 11, but instead of a peaceful operation, they were quickly met with gunfire.

A shootout ensued, leading to the arrest of seven individuals, while four others, including the former soldier, were able to flee the scene. They are now being chased by authorities.

One of the arrested individuals was brought to a hospital for urgent medical care.

Various firearms were also seized in the process, including a caliber 38 revolver with ammunition, an improvised shotgun with 12 gauge ammunition, an air gun and bullets and magazines of M14 rifle and caliber 45.

In addition to said firearms, also found were a R4 rifle registered under the Armed Forces of the Philippines, a caliber.45 gun, and magazines and bullets for pistols and long firearms.

Meantime, at the crime scene, pieces of evidence were also recovered which include a shotgun, four cotton pledget with blood marks, a caliber.45 firearm, 44 fired cartridge cases of 5.56mm gun, five 12-gauge cartridge of a  shotgun, two caliber.45 cartridges, and four fired cartridges of a caliber .45.

The successful operation was lauded by the police regional director of the Cagayan Valley cops, PBGen  Christopher Birung, saying the operation conducted reflects the dedication and sacrifice of police officers in performing their sworn duties.

He also called on the cooperation of the public by tipping information on the whereabouts of the other suspects for their immediate arrest.