A 72-year-old man identified only by the alias “Nilo,” who authorities described as an alleged albularyo, was arrested after police seized three loose firearms during the implementation of a search warrant in Barangay Pasong Kawayan I, General Trias City, Cavite.
The operation was conducted on July 29 by operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Cavite Provincial Field Unit in connection with an alleged violation of Republic Act No. 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
Authorities said they recovered one caliber .45 pistol, one caliber .357 revolver, one caliber .22 revolver, assorted magazines and ammunition from the suspect’s possession.
Police said the suspect was taken into custody after investigators determined that he had no license or permit to possess the firearms.
According to the investigation, the suspect was known in the community as an albularyo and allegedly sold agimat, or amulets, which he claimed could protect buyers from bullets.
Authorities also alleged that the suspect publicly discharged firearms to demonstrate the supposed effectiveness of the amulets, causing fear and alarm among residents in the area.
Police have not released additional information regarding the alleged sales of the amulets or whether further charges related to those activities will be filed.
The suspect is currently facing charges for alleged violation of the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
The Philippine National Police said the operation forms part of its continuing campaign against the illegal possession of firearms through intelligence-driven law enforcement and the implementation of search warrants.
Authorities said efforts to recover loose firearms will continue as part of measures aimed at preventing the use of illegal weapons in criminal activities and maintaining public safety.
