Police arrest man at Laoag checkpoint, seize drugs, firearm parts

A 35-year-old man from Dingras, Ilocos Norte, was arrested Saturday after allegedly attempting to evade a police checkpoint along the Laoag-Sarrat-Piddig-Solsona Road in Barangay 52-A, San Mateo, Laoag City.

The Laoag City Police Station identified the suspect as Ralph Leoplex Vergara Torralba, also known as “Ka Ralph,” who has a live-in partner and resides in Barangay Albano, Dingras.

Police said Torralba was riding a Mitsukoshi motorcycle with a tampered plate number B859OK instead of the registered B352OK, which is registered to Cherry Ann Vicente Bumanglag of Sarrat, Ilocos Norte.

According to police, Torralba attempted to evade the checkpoint but was apprehended. During the initial inspection, officers noticed the tampered plate number, a violation of Republic Act 11235, or the Motorcycle Crime Prevention Act. He also failed to present a driver’s license when asked.

Police said Torralba opened the motorcycle compartment to retrieve a copy of his OR/CR, during which officers saw in plain view a glass tube tooter and an open black sling bag containing a disassembled firearm. He failed to present firearm registration and a permit to carry a firearm outside residence, prompting his arrest. He was informed of his constitutional rights.

Police coordinated with barangay officials of San Mateo and the Office of the City Prosecutor of Laoag to secure insulating witnesses during the marking and inventory of seized items. Barangay Chairperson Dante Agustin and Department of Justice representative Philip Damaso witnessed the search.

Recovered from a black wallet were four heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing a white crystalline substance believed to be shabu, weighing about 5 grams including packaging; one glass tube tooter with suspected shabu residue; 24 empty plastic sachets; P1,500 in cash in various denominations; and one 1,000 South Korean won bill.

Police also seized from the sling bag firearm parts believed to be from an airsoft gun, including a frame or lower receiver, slide or upper receiver, barrel components, an empty magazine, and one live 9mm ammunition. Other items recovered included a small weighing scale, a red disposable vape, a stainless steel scissor, an OPPO mobile phone, a white helmet, and another glass tube tooter with suspected shabu residue.

The motorcycle, keys, tampered plate, and the suspect’s personal belongings and documents were taken into custody.

Torralba was brought to Governor Roque B. Ablan Sr. Memorial Hospital for medical examination. Police estimated the seized drugs at about 5 grams, including packaging, with a street value of P34,000.

Police said Torralba faces charges for violations of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002; Republic Act 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act; and Republic Act 11235, or the Motorcycle Crime Prevention Act.