Operatives from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) in Mandaue City conducted a successful raid in Toledo City, resulting in the arrest of a senior citizen and the confiscation of several unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
Operation Based on Search Warrant
The enforcement action took place at a residence in Sitio Dasuga 1, Barangay Don Andres Soriano, Toledo City. Authorities executed the operation between 7:06 p.m. and 8:35 p.m. on Friday, December 5, 2025. The raid was carried out under the authority of a court-issued search warrant.
The target of the operation was identified as 65-year-old Rafael Bulalacao Sorono, a resident of the area. The CIDG-Mandaue City Field Unit had placed Sorono under surveillance after receiving multiple reports alleging that he frequently carried firearms, specifically mentioning a .45 caliber pistol and an air gun rifle.
Cache of Confiscated Items
During the search of the premises, investigators discovered and seized a significant cache of weapons. The confiscated items included:
- One unlicensed .45 caliber pistol
- A steel magazine loaded with five rounds of .45 ammunition
- Eight additional loose rounds of .45 caliber ammunition
- Thirteen rounds of 9mm ammunition
- One air gun rifle
- Other pieces of evidence related to the case
The seized firearms and ammunition were displayed by the CIDG team following the operation.
Legal Proceedings and Charges
The legal basis for the raid was a search warrant issued by Judge Judilyn Hugo Tapia-Menchavez, the Executive Judge of Regional Trial Court Branch 8 in Toledo City. The warrant was granted on Monday, December 1, 2025, after investigators presented confirmed intelligence to the court.
Rafael Bulalacao Sorono is currently detained under the custody of the CIDG Regional Field Unit 7. Law enforcement officials are now preparing formal charges against him for violation of Section 3 in relation to Section 28(A) of Republic Act 10591, also known as the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
This case highlights the continued efforts of Philippine law enforcement agencies to curb the proliferation of illegal weapons, emphasizing that age is not a barrier to the full implementation of the law.
