A town mayor from Davao del Sur and his six bodyguards were arrested by the authorities in an early morning raid Thursday where 12 high-powered firearms were seized from the said politician.

Supt. Leonardo Felonia of the Southern Mindanao Police Regional Intelligence Unit identified the arrested politician as Jose Abad Santos Mayor James Joyce.

Joyce's bodyguards were meanwhile identified as Ronnie Pandamon, Arnel Dionesio, Victorino Venancio, Hernan Miguel, Floro Arquillano and Boroy Tilo.

The mayor and his six security aides were arrested by combined elements of the Philippine National Police (PNP) for alleged illegal possession of firearms and explosives in a raid at the suspect's place in Jose Abad Santos Thursday dawn.

The raid happened around 1:30 a.m. conducted by joint operatives of the Regional Intelligence Unit XI led by Supt. Leonardo A. Felonia, Davao del Sur Police Provincial Office Public SafetyCompany under Supt. Querubin Manalang and 4th Special Action Force Battalion led by Chief Insp. John Michael Mangahis.

The operation was conducted by virtue of a search warrant issued by Manila Executive Judge Marino dela Cruz Jr of the Regional Trial Court National Judicial Region Branch 22 for the Joyce residence located in Sitio Talisay, in Cabuaran Small.

First to be seized in one area were two M16 standard armalite rifle, two M16 baby armalite rifle, one Ingram machine pistol, one colt .45 caliber pistol, one rifle grenade and assorted magazines and ammunitions.

In another search, recovered were one AK 47 assault rifle, one Tavor 5.56 assault rifle, two M16 bushmaster rifle, one .40 STI caliber pistol, and assorted magazines, rifle bags and scope.

A total of 12 high-powered firearms were seized during the raid.

Supt. Felonia said the mayor did not resist arrest as the operation was documented by a crew of the ABS-CBN and GMA and two barangay kagawads.

Joyce and his companions were brought to the Davao del Sur Provincial Police Office for proper disposition and criminal cases for violation of RA 8294 against the suspects are now being prepared for filing in court.

As of presstime, the mayor declined to issue any statement on his arrest. BOT