Security guard caught selling ‘paltik' gun

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

A security guard was arrested by operatives for selling a home-made firearm or popularly known as ‘paltik’ in an entrapment operation on March 24 in Barangay Estancia, Kalibo, Aklan.  

Rendy Dominguez alias ‘Toto’ from Archangel Sur, Balete, Aklan and temporarily staying at Barangay Estancia in Kalibo was caught selling the firearm at around 12:45 p.m. 

Chief Inspector Terence Paul Sta. Ana, chief of Kalibo police, said the police asset, posing as buyer, handed the P13,000 money to Dominguez in exchange for a small bag containing an ‘unlicensed’ Colt caliber 45 and a firearm magazine. 

The suspect then rode his tricycle towards Meren Road in Barangay Estancia. Later, the operatives of Kalibo police station and Criminal Investigation and Detection Agency (CIDG) confirmed the small bag contained the customized firearm, prompting them to chase and arrest Dominguez in a hot pursuit operation.

Police said the suspect failed to show the license and documents of the firearm. 

After the arrest, the 40-year old Dominguez was detained at Kalibo lock-up cell. He is facing charges for violation of Republic Act (RA) 10591, or the “Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.

Sta. Ana said the suspect was placed under surveillance for two months before the entrapment was carried out. 

“May pagka-alisto din ang suspek kaya ngayon lang natin naikasa ang operasyon,” the chief of police added. 

At the police station, Dominguez insisted he was not selling unlicensed firearms and involved in illegal activities.  

The article was originally published by independent online blog Aklan Forum Journal. The unrestricted use in print or radio, publication and distribution of articles are allowed provided the original author and Aklan Forum Journal are credited.