Cops nab sellers of illegal firearms in Isabela

The Philippine National Police’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) arrested two men for illegally selling high-caliber weapons online in Isabela.

In Emil Sumangil’s exclusive report on “24 Oras” on Tuesday, CIDG Region 2 launched its operation in Santiago City, where a suspect transacted with a police officer disguised as a buyer in the back passenger seat of a car.

Caught by a hidden camera, the suspect handed over a black package containing an automatic firearm. The “buyer” then inspected the weapon’s barrel and fore end. 

After the suspect received the cash payment, the driver got out of the vehicle, giving the signal to other authorities.

However, the suspect tried to escape and resisted, prompting responding police personnel to subdue and arrest him.

Police Major Rolandulf Balinhawang Puguon, CIDG Isabela provincial chief, said the high-caliber weapon could be used in the upcoming national and local elections.

Meanwhile in the town of Gabo, Isabela, CIDG also launched its buy-bust operation inside a vehicle that led to the arrest of another man who was selling a handgun online.

However, when the suspect noticed something amiss during the face to face transaction, he quickly exited the vehicle and ran. He was later arrested by policemen deployed outside the vehicle.

GMA Integrated News has reached out to the suspects for comments.

Puguon said the suspects are facing charges for violating the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act and the Election Gun Ban. —Mariel Celine Serquiña/RF, GMA Integrated News