Laoag City, Ilocos Norte — A 28-year-old contractor was arrested early Saturday morning, 8 February 2025, for violations of Republic Act 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act) and Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Resolution 11067, which regulates firearms during the election period.

The suspect, identified as Dean Rodman Garcia Sadian, a resident of Barangay 59-B, Dibua North, Laoag City, was taken into custody at around 3:35 AM in the parking area in front of the Laoag City Police Station.

Authorities initially encountered Sadian during a commotion along Rodolfo F. Fariñas Bypass Road at approximately 1:30 AM. The incident was responded to by law enforcement led by Police Captain Sygman Benigno, under the supervision of Police Lt. Col. Andrew Rabang, and Sadian was subsequently brought to the Laoag City Police Station for investigation.

During the inquiry, Sadian reported that his wallet was missing. With his consent, his live-in partner, Finah Pascua Duldulao, searched their white Hyundai Elantra for the wallet. As she and the suspect opened the vehicle’s trunk, a police investigator noticed a .45 caliber pistol in plain view. The firearm had an inserted magazine loaded with seven live rounds of ammunition.

Upon being questioned, Sadian failed to present the necessary documents, including a License to Own and Possess Firearm (LTOPF), Permit to Carry Firearm Outside Residence (PTCFOR), firearm registration, and a Certificate of Authority from COMELEC. This led to his immediate arrest, which was documented using an alternative recording device.

Sadian is now in police custody, facing legal charges for illegal possession of a firearm and violating election-related firearm regulations.