2 soldiers nabbed for smuggling guns in Zamboanga Sibugay -military

Two military personnel were arrested in Zamboanga Sibugay early Tuesday morning for alleged gun smuggling, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom) said.

In a report, Wesmincom Chief Lieutenant General Corleto Vinluan, Jr. identified the rogue soldiers as Captain Christopher Galvez Eslava, 41, and Corporal Ryan Laure Larot, 35.

The two soldiers were arrested in an entrapment operation launched by combined members of the police and the military at Purok Gemelina, Sanito, Ipil in Zamboanga Sibugay Province at 12:15 a.m.

Confiscated were a cal. 5.56 M4 Carbine, make Daniel Defense; one 5.56mm M4, make Colt Carbine; one Cal. 5.56 M4, make TRIARC System; two 9mm Pistol, make Glock 19; one rifle grenade; three 40 mm grenade; six M16 magazines; three Cal 40. Magazines; and P1.2 million boodle money.

The military said the two soldiers are currently detained at the Ipil Municipal police station.

Vinluan vowed that AFP will conduct an investigation on the two personnel, who will be discharged if they are proven to be involved in gun smuggling.

“We do not tolerate any illegal activity perpetrated by anyone from the organization. They are the stains that should be removed to maintain the clean reputation of the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” said Vinluan. -MDM, GMA News