A 67-year-old farmer was arrested after he allegedly caused trouble while holding a revolver in Barangay Basca, Aringay, La Union on Sunday afternoon, 16 August.

Police said the Aringay Municipal Police Station received a phone call from Barangay Basca Punong Barangay Armando Sabado at around 4:40 p.m., reporting that Marino Soniega y Cachero, 67, married, a farmer and resident of the barangay, was allegedly armed with a firearm and provoking trouble in the area.

Responding police officers immediately proceeded to the reported location and found Soniega allegedly still causing trouble while holding a revolver.

The officers arrested Soniega and confiscated one .22-caliber revolver without markings and ammunition.

Police said Soniega was asked to present the pertinent documents for the firearm but failed to do so, resulting in his arrest for an alleged violation of Republic Act 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.

Authorities said Soniega was informed of his constitutional rights in a dialect known and understood by him.

The seized firearm was marked at the scene in the presence of Sabado and Barangay Kagawad Gerber Sakiwat, both elected barangay officials of Barangay Basca.

Following his arrest, Soniega was brought to the La Union Medical Center in Agoo for physical examination.

La Union Police Provincial Office director Police Colonel Redentor C. Ulsano said the prompt response of police personnel to the barangay report reinforces the provincial police office’s commitment to maintaining peace and order and ensuring that incidents that could threaten public safety are immediately addressed.

“This incident reinforces our strong commitment to police response and to ensure that peace and order is observed in our communities. We will continue to respond promptly to reports and take appropriate action when public safety is at risk,” Ulsano said.

The suspect remains under police custody as authorities prepare the appropriate charges in connection with the incident.