A 16-year-old construction worker was arrested on Monday evening for alleged violation of Republic Act No. 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, after he was found in possession of live ammunition during a police checkpoint operation in Sarrat, Ilocos Norte.

Police said the incident happened at around 6:20 p.m. along the Sarrat–Vintar Road in the vicinity of Barangay 23, San Andres, while personnel of the Sarrat Police Station were conducting a routine checkpoint.

The minor, a resident of Barangay Albano, Dingras, Ilocos Norte, was flagged down while riding a motorcycle. Upon inspection, police noted that the motorcycle had no attached plate number and that the rider failed to present the required official receipt and certificate of registration (OR/CR).

When officers asked for his driver’s license, the suspect reportedly reached into his right pocket and accidentally exposed a transparent plastic containing an Armscor ammunition box. Further verification led to the discovery of 30 pieces of live ammunition for caliber .22.

Police immediately seized the ammunition and placed the minor under arrest. Inventory and marking of the seized items were conducted at the place of arrest in the presence of required witnesses.

Authorities also reported that another plastic bag containing live ammunition wrapped around an Armscor box fell from the suspect’s pocket during the incident.

The minor is now under police custody, while appropriate procedures involving juvenile offenders and in coordination with social welfare authorities are being undertaken.