2 arrested at Lipa checkpoint for drugs, unlawful gun possession

Local cops conducting checkpoint in Antipolo del Norte, Lipa City on Thursday. (photo courtesy Lipa City PNP)

Local cops conducting checkpoint in Antipolo del Norte, Lipa City on Thursday. (photo courtesy Lipa City PNP)

Lipa City, Batangas – Elements of the Lipa City Police have arrested at a checkpoint in Barangay Antipolo del Norte on Thursday two suspects who were reportedly found in possession of illegal drugs and unlicensed firearms.

Lipa city police chief P/Supt. Jacinto Malinao identified the suspects as Rolda Gasmen alias Udong, 36, a resident of Barangay San Jose and Al Vargas, 28, of Barangay Tipakan.

The arrest coincided with the implementation of the nationwide Commission on Elections (Comelec) Gun Ban in relation to the February 21 Special Sangguniang Kabataan Elections.

The said ban was supposed to start today but was later suspended by the poll body’s national office for 15 days.

The local police, in coordination with the Comelec, conducted a checkpoint at the Carmel Police Assistance Center at around 12:30 am.

They were able to check one Yamaha STX tricycle (Plate No. WI-4925) that passed by the said area. During the course of the inspection, however, police officials noticed that the said suspects who were occupants of the tricycle were looking uneasy.

Vargas then attempted to run away prompting the cops to restrain him. Seized from the suspect were one caliber 9 mm pistol, magazine and 17 live ammunitions.

Authorities also subjected Roldan Gasmen for body search and they were able to recover from his possession one caliber 45 pistol, two magazines, 21 live ammunitions and a sachet of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of P59,000.

Police have already filed cases of illegal possession of firearms, violation of the Omnibus Election Code at the Lipa City Prosecutors Office against Vargas and Gasmen. Gasmen was also charged with possession of dangerous drugs.

Both suspects are temporarily detained at the lock-up cell of the Lipa City Police Station.

About Jeremaiah Opiniano