Armed man arrested in Laoag on Christmas; suspected shabu seized

Police arrested a 37-year-old man on Christmas Day, 25 December 2025, after he was found carrying an unlicensed firearm and suspected illegal drugs at a sari-sari store and billiards area in Barangay 16, Laoag City, Ilocos Norte.

The suspect was identified as Jeffrey Mateo Colcol, a resident of Barangay 17, Laoag City. Personnel from the Laoag City Police Station responded around 4:55 p.m. to a report from a concerned citizen about an armed individual at Bamboo House Sari-Sari Store and Billiards along M.H. Del Pilar Street. The incident reportedly occurred around 4:40 p.m.

Upon arrival, officers saw Colcol wearing a gray Adidas shirt and green shorts and reportedly playing chess. Police said a firearm was tucked into his waist in plain view. When asked to present a License to Own and Possess Firearm, Permit to Carry Outside Residence, and firearm registration, Colcol allegedly failed to provide any documents.

Authorities confiscated one .38-caliber revolver marked “SPL 38 COLT USA,” without a serial number and loaded with four live rounds. A subsequent body search recovered a coin purse containing one open plastic sachet and four heat-sealed sachets of suspected shabu weighing about 2.3 grams, with an estimated street value of P15,640. Police also seized P1,721 in cash and a black Techno mobile phone.

According to sources, Colcol had previously been arrested by the Laoag City Police Station in 2017 for drug-related offenses and was released in July 2025.

The seized items were inventoried at the scene and brought to the police station for documentation and laboratory testing. Colcol was also taken to Governor Roque B. Ablan Sr. Memorial Hospital for medical examination.

Charges for violating Section 28 of Republic Act 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act) and Article II, Section 11 of Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act) are being prepared against the suspect.