Arrested Construction Worker Faces Illegal Firearms Charge; P80,000 Bail Recommended
By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — A 43-year-old construction worker listed as a Most Wanted Person was arrested by operatives of the Manila Police District (MPD) Station 8 (Sta. Mesa Police Station) during a warrant service operation on Monday evening in Sta. Mesa, Manila.
Police identified the suspect as Benjie Lusabia y Lema, also known as “Toto,” a resident of Bagumbayan Street, Sta. Mesa. He was apprehended at around 6:30 p.m. inside the Barangay Hall of Barangay 607 along Bagumbayan Street and was subsequently brought to Sta. Mesa Police Station at approximately 7:50 p.m.
The arrest was carried out by members of the station’s Warrant Section under the supervision of Police Major Izen O. Retorbar, who served a warrant of arrest issued against Lusabia for alleged violation of Section 28 (g) of Republic Act No. 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
Records showed that the warrant was issued by Judge Teresa Patrimonio-Soriaso of the Regional Trial Court, Branch 27, National Capital Judicial Region, dated June 8, 2026, under Criminal Case No. R-MNL-26-03433-CR.
Authorities said the court recommended a bail bond of P80,000 for the temporary liberty of the accused.
Police said Lusabia was informed of the warrant and apprised of his constitutional rights in a language he understood before being taken into custody. The implementation of the warrant was documented using a body-worn camera and an alternative recording device in compliance with police operational procedures.
The arrested suspect remains under police custody pending the return of the warrant to the issuing court and the completion of legal documentation.
The Manila Police District reiterated its commitment to intensifying operations against wanted persons as part of its continuing campaign to enforce the law and ensure public safety in the city.
ia/xf
