Two men were arrested by personnel of the Mabinay Municipal Police Station after a commotion broke out during a disco party at the annual fiesta of Sitio Tubod, Barangay Bulwang, on the night of April 7, 2026, with authorities recovering an unlicensed .38 caliber revolver loaded with four live rounds.
The suspects, aged 28 and 23, were apprehended following a disturbance involving a group at the fiesta celebration. The arrest was carried out under the leadership of Police Major Ranie S. Bantolio, Chief of Police of the Mabinay Municipal Police Station.
According to the police report, responding officers were called to Sitio Tubod after a commotion erupted at the disco gathering, which was part of the barangay’s annual fiesta festivities. Upon arrival, authorities moved in to pacify the situation and apprehended the two suspects for alarm and scandal.
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Unlicensed Firearm Discovery During Arrest
A subsequent body search yielded a more serious discovery: a .38 caliber revolver loaded with four live ammunitions, concealed inside a black bag in the suspects’ possession. Both suspects failed to present any license or permit to carry the firearm, prompting authorities to file additional charges for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition under Republic Act No. 10591.
The discovery of the loaded weapon escalated what began as a simple disturbance case into a serious firearms violation. Police procedures require thorough searches during arrests, which led to uncovering the concealed revolver.
Neither suspect could produce documentation proving legal ownership or authorization to carry the weapon, making their possession of the firearm a clear violation of Philippine firearms laws.
Republic Act 10591 Provisions and Penalties
Republic Act No. 10591, also known as the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, was signed into law on May 29, 2013. It serves as the country’s principal legislation governing the ownership, possession, carrying, manufacture, dealing in, and importation of firearms and ammunition by private citizens.
Under RA 10591, only licensed firearm holders are allowed to own and possess firearms. To legally own a gun in the Philippines, an individual must secure a License to Own and Possess Firearms (LTOPF) from the Philippine National Police–Firearms and Explosives Office (PNP-FEO), and each firearm must be individually registered.
Carrying a firearm outside one’s residence further requires a separate Permit to Carry Firearms Outside of Residence (PTCFOR). The law establishes a comprehensive regulatory framework designed to control civilian access to firearms while ensuring legitimate users can exercise their rights responsibly.
Severe Criminal Penalties for Violations
The law imposes stiff penalties on violators. The unlawful acquisition or possession of a small arm such as a .38 caliber revolver is punishable by prision mayor in its medium period, which translates to roughly 8 to 10 years of imprisonment.
Penalties are increased when the firearm is loaded with ammunition or fitted with accessories, when the offender carries the firearm outside of residence without a permit, or when the firearm is used in the commission of another crime. In this case, the loaded condition of the recovered revolver could result in enhanced penalties for the suspects.
RA 10591 specifically penalizes carrying firearms in public places during election periods, public gatherings, or in areas where alcoholic beverages are served or consumed. This provision is particularly relevant in cases involving fiesta celebrations and disco parties such as the one in Mabinay, where alcohol consumption and large crowds create potentially volatile situations.
The law also classifies the unlawful possession of ammunition as a separate offense, with penalties depending on the quantity and type of ammunition recovered. The four live rounds found with the revolver constitute a distinct criminal charge.
Multiple Criminal Charges Filed
The two suspects are now facing charges for violation of Republic Act No. 10591 for illegal possession of firearm and ammunition, on top of the alarm and scandal charges stemming from the commotion at the fiesta disco.
Both suspects are currently in police custody at the Mabinay Municipal Police Station pending the filing of formal charges before the prosecutor’s office. The combination of charges could result in significant prison sentences if the suspects are convicted.
Police investigators are preparing case files that will detail the circumstances of the arrest, the recovery of the illegal firearm, and the suspects’ inability to produce proper documentation for weapon possession.
Police Station Reaffirms Anti-Crime Commitment
The Mabinay Municipal Police Station reaffirmed its commitment to its sustained campaign against the illegal possession of firearms, particularly during fiesta celebrations and large public gatherings where the risk of armed confrontation runs high.
In a statement, the station echoed the Philippine National Police’s slogan under its current leadership: “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong mabilis, tapat, at nararamdaman.” The phrase translates to “A new PNP for a new Philippines: Service that is swift, honest, and felt.”
The successful arrest demonstrates the police force’s readiness to respond to disturbances while conducting thorough investigations that may uncover more serious crimes. The recovery of an illegal weapon during what appeared to be a routine disturbance call highlights the importance of proper police procedures.
Public Cooperation Encouraged for Safety
Authorities are encouraging residents to report any suspicious activity or armed individuals during fiesta festivities through the Mabinay PS NOPPO Facebook page or via the station’s hotlines: 0917-773-4907 (Globe) and 0998-598-7497 (Smart).
Police officials stress that community cooperation is essential for maintaining peace and order during public celebrations. Fiesta periods typically see increased police visibility and patrols to ensure public safety during festivities.
The incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in controlling illegal firearms circulation, particularly during large public gatherings where weapons could pose significant risks to public safety.
Local authorities continue to implement strict security measures during fiesta celebrations to prevent similar incidents and ensure residents and visitors can enjoy festivities safely.
Photo credit: Photo courtesy of Mabinay Municipal Police Station
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