A self-confessed bodyguard of Kapa founder Joel Apolinario who transported P4 million cash is facing criminal charges after he allegedly tried to bribe officers who arrested him for carrying unlicensed gun in a checkpoint in Bunawan District yesterday morning.
Major Noel Villahermosa, the commander of Bunawan Police Station, identified the suspect as Edilberto Mabido Naupan, 44, married, of Purok 10, Mabog, San Roque, Bislig, Surigao del Sur.
Police seized from Naupan a Springfield Armory 1911-A1 .45 caliber pistol, serial number 91257, with one magazine loaded with six bullets; 13 other .45 caliber pistol bullets, and five cartons of ammunition, containing 227 pieces of rimfire cartridges for .22 long rifle.
Operatives also confiscated P4 million in cash.
Villahermosa said joint operatives of Bunawan Police Station and Task Force Davao were conducting routine inspection at the Lasang checkpoint in Licanan, Barangay San Isidro, Bunawan around 9 a.m. yesterday.
An Isuzu mu-x vehicle, with plate number MAI 6331, passed by.
Villahermosa said an operative, during the inspection, saw “in plain view” the handle of the gun hidden beneath the floor mat at the driver’s side.
Villahermosa said Naupan, when inquired on documents, failed to present pertinent paper.
During the inspection, operatives found eight bundles of money, each amounting to P500,000 or a total amount of P4 million.
The suspect, the police station commander said, told operatives that he’s a former bodyguard of Joel Apolinario, the founder of the alleged investment scam firm, Kapa.
Villahermosa said Naupan owned the money, claiming it was a long-time investment.
During the arrest, the suspect allegedly offered P6,500 to Police Corporal Alicer Cañete so he could go.
But Cañete rejected the bribe attempt, the police commander said.
Villahermosa said Naupan was driving from Surigao City to General Santos City.
The suspect is now detained at Bunawan Police Station, as charges for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition (Republic Act 10591) and Corruption of Public Officials (Article 212 of Revised Penal Code) are prepared against him for filing before the City Prosecutor’s Office.
All the pieces of evidence – gun, bullets, money, and vehicle – are also held at the Bunawan police station.
