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Firearms, ammo seized at compound allegedly owned by ex-guv

By Mary Judaline Partlow

March 24, 2023, 8:34 pm

<p><strong>OPLAN PAGLALANSAG. </strong> Operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group seized assorted short and high-powered firearms and ammunition from a sugar mill in Sta. Catalina, Negros Oriental on Friday (March 24, 2023) by virtue of a search warrant issued by a Mandaue City court. The sugar mill is reportedly owned by former Negros Oriental Gov. Pryde Henry Teves. <em>(Contributed photo)</em></p>

OPLAN PAGLALANSAG.  Operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group seized assorted short and high-powered firearms and ammunition from a sugar mill in Sta. Catalina, Negros Oriental on Friday (March 24, 2023) by virtue of a search warrant issued by a Mandaue City court. The sugar mill is reportedly owned by former Negros Oriental Gov. Pryde Henry Teves. (Contributed photo)

DUMAGUETE CITY – The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) of the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Friday raided a sugar mill in Sta. Catalina, Negros Oriental, allegedly owned by former governor Pryde Henry Teves, and seized firearms and ammunition.

The Mandaue City court issued a search warrant against the former governor, CIDG legal officer, Col. Thomas Valmonte, told reporters who were waiting outside the compound.

Pryde Henry is the brother of suspended Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo Teves, who is being linked to the March 4 killing of governor Roel Degamo in Pamplona town.

Operatives seized at least 10 firearms of different caliber and several rounds of live ammunition inside the HDJ Bayawan Agriventures compound, lawyer Valmonte said.

About PHP17 million in cash was also reportedly seized during the raid conducted jointly by the local police, CIDG operatives, and soldiers of the Army’s 11th Infantry Battalion.

Three persons were also arrested during the raid, allegedly for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition. Their identities were not immediately known.

Valmonte said according to the police, the raid was conducted under Oplan Paglalansag of the PNP-CIDG and was not related to the killing of Degamo and eight others during the March 4 massacre in Pamplona.

The sugar mill owner has yet to issue a statement on the raid.

As of late Friday afternoon, the raid was still ongoing with Valmonte, saying they believe some firearms were buried in the ground while other houses inside the compound were also being searched. (PNA)

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