Firearm discharge inside Laoag apartment leads to arrest

A 29-year-old contractor was arrested on Thursday night after allegedly firing a gun inside an apartment compound in Sitio 2, Barangay 51-A, Nangalisan East, Laoag City, Ilocos Norte, prompting fear among residents and triggering an alarm and scandal incident.

Police said they responded at around 8:20 PM on 12 December, after receiving reports of gunfire within the compound. The victims, identified as Daven Obiena Obino, 18, and Mar Yutila Germones, 34, both construction workers from Western Samar residing in the same address in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte, told authorities they heard three consecutive gunshots while inside their apartment unit. When Obino checked outside, he saw the suspect, Jeaboy Regorosa Completo, holding a firearm.

Prior to the incident, the suspect had been drinking with companions in front of the apartment. Fearing escalation and concerned for their safety, Germones contacted his brother, who immediately sought police assistance. Personnel from the Laoag City Police Station arrived shortly afterward and conducted an inquiry, during which the victims positively identified Completo as the one who fired the gun.

Officers recovered seven live .380 caliber ammunition, P1,412 in cash, and a caliber .380 pistol marked Star Eibar, Spain, bearing serial number 1964668 and placed in a black holster. The suspect was unable to present a License to Own and Possess Firearm (LTOPF), a Permit to Carry Outside Residence (PTCFOR), or firearm registration documents, leading to his arrest.

Police documented the arrest and conducted an on-site inventory of the confiscated firearm and ammunition in the presence of barangay officials and the suspect. Further investigation is underway.