Law enforcers in Davao City arrested a protestant pastor in a random checkpoint in the act of carrying a handgun without authority along Sasa,Davao City early morning of Monday.
Sasa Police Station commander Chief Insp. Emerson Pugong identified the suspects as Filmar B. Rodriguez, 36, who hails from Butuan City, Agusan del Norte and Pastor of Oceans of Life Ministries. Pugong said Rodriguez was arrested at a random checkpoint conducted by Task Force Davao at KM 11, Sasa around 1:00 a.m.
He said when the operatives made a plain view search in the vehicle of the suspect they saw a caliber. 45 loaded with ammunition in the driver seat. Pugong said when law enforcers asked Rodriguez if he has a License to Own and Possesses Firearms (LTOPF) and Permit to Carry Firearm Outside Residence (PTCFOR), the suspect failed to present any of the two.
“According to the suspect, he has been receiving threats that is why he brought along his gun, “ he said. Davao reporters also took the comment of the suspect and Rodriguez explained that he accidentally carried his gun while going inside the city.
The suspect said his child was hospitalized at Davao Regional Medical Center in Tagum City, Davao Del Norte and he just entered the city to go to his elder sibling in Digos City, Davao del Sur to get things needed.
“Pagbalik namog Tagum naay checkpoint, mao to gi abrihan nako akong bag kay kabalo man ko nga naay baril sulod around (When we were about to return to Tagum City we were caught by the checkpoint and I opened my bag because I know that my gun was placed inside. ), “ Rodriguez said.
He added that he has no bad intention with the gun, but he just brought it accidentally. Rodriguez is now detained at Sasa Police Station.
