By Chris V. Panganiban
Inquirer Mindanao Bureau
SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur — A search by National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) agents at the residence of Barobo,Surigao del Sur Mayor Ronito Martizano ended without the recovery of the firearms listed in a court-issued search warrant on Wednesday morning, Sept. 23.
The NBI team from the National Capital Region (NCR) arrived at Martizano’s home in Barangay Hubang here, at around 6 a.m. and searched the property for nearly an hour.
The operation was carried out based on Search Warrant No. 370-2026 issued by the Regional Trial Court of Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur, in connection with an alleged violation of Republic Act No. 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
The warrant authorized authorities to look for alleged unlicensed firearms, including a .45 caliber pistol, a KG9 rifle, and ammunition.
But after the search, Martizano said no firearms or ammunition covered by the warrant were found inside his residence.
The mayor questioned the circumstances surrounding the raid, saying he believed it was connected to the ambush attempt against him on Feb. 3.
According to Martizano, members of his household noticed suspicious activity days before the operation. He said a man carrying what appeared to be a firearm had been quietly monitoring his residence and that drones were allegedly used to observe the area.
Martizano claimed that political detractors could be behind the incident, but he did not identify any person when speaking with local reporters following the search.
The mayor’s remarks, however, came amid local political tensions involving individuals considered his rivals.
Among those being mentioned in political circles are Vice Mayor Allan Bernal, who is viewed as a possible rival in the 2028 elections, and Julie “Dondon” Patidongan, a former security aide of businessman Atong Ang whom Martizano defeated in the previous election nby a slim 443 votes margin.
Martizano did not accuse either individual by name, and there has been no public statement from them regarding his remarks.
The mayor said the failed search added to his concerns about his safety following the February ambush incident. He maintained that the raid was another episode that raised questions about threats against him.
The NBI has yet to issue an official statement regarding the outcome of the search and whether further legal action will be pursued following the operation.
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