Businesswoman arrested
for ‘permit-less’ gun store

By FELIPE V. CELINO

ROXAS City – A businesswoman was arrested by the police for engaging in the sale of firearms and ammunitions without a license and authority.

Armed with a search warrant, joint elements of the Regional Intelligence Division of the Police Regional Office 6, the 604th Mobile Group and the Capiz Police Provincial Office (CPPO) swooped down on the business establishment of Maria Batican-Beluso, 64, and Maribeth Borres at the public market of Pontevedra, Capiz.

The cops recovered from the establishment hundreds of live ammunitions for a 12-gauge shotgun, .38 caliber, .22 caliber, junior caliber .22 and super .38 caliber.

RID chief Senior Supt. Ricardo Alba said that before the raid was conducted, P02 Joy Tingson conducted a “test buy” at the said establishment. The marked money was recovered during the raid.

Borres was not around when the raid was conducted in the presence of Poblacion Ilawod Barangay Captain Alberto Bernas Jr. and the sales ladies of the establishment.

Batican was taken by the police to the Capiz Police Provincial Office.

Capiz Police Director Senior Supt. Josephus Angan said the operation was part of their anti-criminality campaign.

The CPPO readies charges against the women for illegal possession of firearms and ammunitions./PN