Security personnel at a large retail establishment in Mandaue City apprehended a woman found to be carrying a live grenade and a loaded firearm on Friday afternoon, December 5, 2025.
Incident Unfolds During Routine Security Check
The alarming discovery took place at 2:35 p.m. inside a store situated on Hernan Cortes Street in Barangay Tipolo, Mandaue City. According to reports from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) 7, the suspect, Elaine Grace Buenaventura, 33, entered the premises and was subjected to a standard security search.
Guards Rodel Catane and Stanley Barrios Jr. conducted the inspection and found the dangerous items inside Buenaventura's sling bag. The confiscated contraband included one grenade, a .45 caliber pistol, and a magazine loaded with seven rounds of ammunition.
Immediate Police Response and Custody
Following the discovery, the store management promptly alerted the Explosives Ordnance Disposal (EOD) 7 team. EOD experts secured the weapons and took them into their custody to ensure public safety. The suspect was immediately turned over to the operatives of CIDG 7.
Buenaventura, a reported resident of Bali Residences in Lapu-Lapu City, was brought to the CIDG 7 office along with the seized evidence for the proper filing of criminal charges.
Serious Legal Charges Filed
The suspect is currently detained at the CIDG 7 facility. Authorities have confirmed that Elaine Grace Buenaventura will face serious charges for violating two Republic Acts:
- Republic Act 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act) for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.
- Republic Act 9516 for the illegal possession of explosives.
These violations fall under Section 28 of RA 10591, which carries severe penalties. The swift action by the security guards and the coordinated response from CIDG and EOD units prevented a potential threat to public safety within the busy commercial area.
