Police are preparing to file at least 10 criminal charges against Alfredo Luis “Dave” Sarrosa, one of the landowners on Sicogon Island in Carles, Iloilo, following an armed confrontation linked to an ongoing property dispute on the island.

The complaints being prepared include illegal possession of firearms, serious illegal detention, attempted murder, robbery, destruction of property, trespassing, indiscriminate firing, alarm and scandal, grave threats, and malicious mischief.

Police Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño, regional director of the Police Regional Office (PRO-6), confirmed in a radio interview that Sarrosa had been arrested and is currently detained at the Carles Municipal Police Station.

Tuaño said he ordered Sarrosa’s immediate arrest after watching a video circulating online that allegedly showed him carrying a long firearm while threatening and shouting at his siblings.

The regional director said a subsequent verification of police records revealed that firearms registered under Sarrosa had expired licenses.

“I immediately instructed the chief of the Carles Municipal Police Station to proceed to Sicogon Island and arrest him,” Tuaño said.

According to Tuaño, Sarrosa initially attempted to negotiate with responding police officers and allegedly threatened to inflict harm on himself. However, police proceeded with the arrest, citing concerns that he was armed and accompanied by four bodyguards.

The PRO-6 chief also disclosed that authorities received reports that Sarrosa’s group allegedly prevented people from leaving Huni Hotel on Sicogon Island. Police later rescued 11 individuals from the area.

Investigators are currently gathering sworn statements from witnesses and other parties involved to support the filing of criminal complaints.

Authorities said the confrontation reportedly stemmed from tensions following the permanent closure of all facilities operated by the Sicogon Island Tourism Estate Corporation (SITEC) amid the continuing dispute over land ownership on the island.

Meanwhile, Fifth District Rep. Binky April Tupas expressed deep concern over the reported incident, saying allegations involving firearms, threats, and acts that endangered residents, workers, and visitors have no place in a peaceful community if proven true.

She commended the Philippine National Police, led by PRO-6 Regional Director Tuaño, the Mobile Police Force, the Carles Municipal Police Station, and municipal and barangay officials for their swift response that prevented the situation from escalating.

At the same time, Tupas emphasized that all parties are entitled to due process and that the facts must be established through a fair, impartial, and thorough investigation, with any criminal liability to be determined by the courts.

The lawmaker also called on all parties involved in the long-running property dispute on Sicogon Island to pursue legal and peaceful means in asserting their rights.

“Sicogon Island is one of the premier tourism destinations of the Fifth District of Iloilo. It is important that peace and order be maintained so that residents, investors, workers, and tourists will continue to have confidence in the island as a safe and welcoming destination,” Tupas said.

She added that her office will continue to support initiatives that strengthen peace and order, protect the rights of constituents, and promote a secure environment conducive to tourism, investment, and sustainable development in Carles and throughout the Fifth District.IMT