Combined AFP-PNP operations recovers 3 firearms in Rizal

From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 26, 2020): Combined AFP-PNP operations recovers 3 firearms in Rizal (By PA 2ID DPAO)

CAMP CAPINPIN, Tanay, Rizal, Sept 26 (PIA) –Combined elements of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) recovered three firearms following the serving of a warrant of arrest in a joint law enforcement operation in Rodriguez, Rizal on Wednesday, September 23.

Police Lt. Col. Respher Gaoiran, Chief of Police, Rodriguez MPS, said the government forces jointly implemented the warrant of arrest against Juan Raga, known as alias June, for murder and violation of illegal possession of firearms filed at RTC Br 76 issued by Judge Josephine Fernandez in San Mateo, Rizal.

Lt. Col. Rimrad Feraer, Commanding Officer of 80IB said that the joint AFP-PNP forces were accompanied by the local officials in the area towards the suspect's hideout, however, Raga was able to escape but led authorities to recover firearms and other paraphernalia he left behind.

BGen Alex Rillera, Commander of the 202nd Brigade that has operational jurisdiction in the area, said the government’s security forces recovered one M4 carbine, one M1 .22 Cal, a cal.45 pistol, assorted magazines as well as ammunition from Raga's safe house at Phase 1, Villa San Isidro, Brgy San Isidro, Rodriguez.

Rillera also mentioned that the cooperation of the community and local officials, as well as the seamless relationship of the soldiers and police, played an important role in thwarting those who go against the law and commit acts to harm the lives of our citizens.

"We and our PNP counterparts will continue to exert effort until Raga and the rest of his cohorts are finally in jail," he added.

For his part, MGen Greg Almerol, Commander of the Army's 2nd Infantry Division that covers the Southern Tagalog region, complimented the joint AFP-PNP team for the successful enforcement of the law despite an urgent call in responding to local communist threats which continue to hinder the Filipino nation's move towards a peaceful and prosperous future.

He commended the combined operating troops for their collaboration and synergy in attaining common aspirations of prosperity and development in this part of the country as he vowed that the military’s commitment will be relentless, in coordination with the police force to end violence brought about by lawlessness and terrorism.

"Nobody can escape from the arms of the law, and the government forces will continue to pursue those who perpetrate crimes against the people until law and order finally prevail," said Almerol.

Joint AFP-PNP coordination and pursuit law enforcement operations will be launched to go after those who have to face the law so that justice for their victims will soon prevail. ­­(PIA-4A/PA 2ID DPAO)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1054260