Police Raid in Toledo City Nets Unlicensed Firearms
Operatives from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG)-Mandaue City Field Unit conducted a successful search operation in Toledo City, Cebu, resulting in the arrest of a 65-year-old man for illegal possession of firearms. The raid was executed at the suspect's residence in Sitio Dasuga 1, Barangay Don Andres Soriano, based on a valid court order.
Details of the Operation and Evidence Seized
The enforcement action took place from 7:06 PM to 8:35 PM on Friday, December 5, 2025. The target of the search warrant was identified as Rafael Bulalacao Sorono, a resident of the addressed location. During the search, CIDG-7 personnel confiscated a cache of unauthorized items.
The seized evidence includes:
- One unlicensed .45 caliber pistol.
- Five live rounds inside a steel magazine.
- An additional eight .45 caliber bullets and thirteen 9mm bullets.
- One air gun rifle.
- Other pertinent pieces of evidence.
Background and Legal Proceedings
The CIDG-Mandaue City Field Unit initiated the case after receiving reports about the suspect's habitual carrying of firearms. This prompted a surveillance and monitoring operation over several days. Once agents confirmed the suspect was indeed in possession of a weapon, they swiftly applied for a search warrant.
The judicial order was issued by Honorable Judge Judilyn Hugo Tapia-Menchavez, the Executive Judge of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) 7th Judicial Region, Branch 8 in Toledo City. The warrant was dated December 1, 2025.
Following the operation, Rafael Bulalacao Sorono was placed under the custody of the CIDG Regional Field Unit 7. Authorities are now preparing to file a criminal case 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.
