Manila: A village chair in Victorias City, Negros Occidental, was arrested for illegal possession of a firearm and explosive during a search warrant operation Friday night, the Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) reported on Saturday.

According to Philippines News Agency, the suspect was identified as alias 'Gar,' 54, residing in Hacienda Nasipunan, Barangay 12. PRO-NIR spokesperson Lt. Col. Joem Malong stated that the suspect failed to secure both a license to own and possess a firearm (LTOPF) and a permit to carry a firearm outside residence (PTCFOR), as verified by the records of the Philippine National Police Firearms and Explosives Office.

"There has been a complaint against him for illegal possession of firearms and upon verification, the police learned he does not have an LTOPF and a PTCFOR," Malong informed the Philippine News Agency. The operation, conducted by the Victorias Component City Police Station, resulted in the confiscation of a caliber .22 revolver loaded with six rounds of ammunition, 63 additional rounds of caliber .22 ammunition, and a hand grenade. The suspect is currently detained at the said police station.

PRO-NIR Director Brig. Gen. Romano Cardi±o emphasized in a statement, "We will continue to intensify intelligence-driven operations and ensure that individuals who violate our firearms and explosives laws are held accountable."