A security guard linked to the shooting incidents in Samal Island was arrested on Monday, July 23, 2024, for alleged illegal possession of firearms.

Armed with a search warrant, operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in the Island Garden City of Samal (IGACOS) arrested the suspect identified as alias “Harry,” 33.

Authorities seized a firearm and a hand grenade during the raid at the suspect’s house in Barangay Camudmud.

“At the time of the arrest naa siya sa iyang balay so gi-implement nato ang search warrant…In his possession, naa siya’y baril,” CIDG-IGACOS Team Leader, Capt. Ian Maningo, said.

Authorities have been monitoring the suspect following the shooting incidents that happened in the city.

Investigators raised the possibility that the suspect may also have a hand in the killing of two boys at a computer shop near the suspect’s house on June 23, 2024.

“Sa karon, di pa ko maka-comment kay ginaimbestigahan pa nato further kay naa man gu’y series of namatay dinhi sa Samal,” Maningo added.

The 14-year-old and 16-year-old boys were shot dead while they were at the computer shop. At least 10 gunshots were heard and the incident was captured by a CCTV camera.

The suspect fled immediately after shooting the victims on board a motorcycle.

The suspect’s firearm was placed under ballistic examination to determine if it was the same gun used in the killing of the two boys.

The suspect is now detained at the CIDG jail facility and will face charges for violation of the Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition (RA 10591) and Unlawful Manufacture, Sales, Acquisition, Disposition, Importation or Possession of an Explosive or Incendiary Device (RA 9516).

The suspect did not give a statement.