The Police Regional Office 1 (PRO-1) has denied allegations of a “tanim-baril” operation in the arrest of a man at a Laoag City amusement park on 22 February 2026, after a video of the incident circulated on social media.

PRO-1 regional director PBGen. Dindo R. Reyes said no firearm was planted, adding that the viral clip was edited and did not show the full sequence of events. He said the complete footage has been submitted to the prosecutor’s office for review.

Police said the Laoag City Police Station received a report about a man allegedly carrying a gun at a public fair. Officers coordinated with the complainant, approached the suspect, and recovered an unmarked .38 caliber revolver loaded with four live rounds.

Authorities said the suspect failed to present a License to Own and Possess Firearm and a Permit to Carry Firearms Outside of Residence, prompting charges for violation of Republic Act 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.

The suspect has posted P120,000 bail and is under preliminary investigation.

Laoag City police chief Lt. Col. Ryan Retotar said the reporting witness executed an affidavit stating the gun was not planted and that officers observed proper procedure, including informing the suspect of his rights and documenting the operation.

A representative of the Philippine National Police said the arrest was conducted within legal bounds but declined further comment, citing the sub judice rule.

Councilor and lawyer Jason Perera, counsel for the accused, said additional videos are being preserved and questioned the police account of how the firearm was carried. He also criticized alleged attempts to prevent bystanders from recording the arrest.

PRO-1 urged the public to exercise caution in sharing online content, warning that incomplete videos may mislead viewers, and said it will allow the legal process to determine the merits of the case.