15 illegal gun-making sites shut down, 9 suspects in custody in Danao City — PRO7

Police shut down 15 illegal gun-making sites in an operation in Danao City, Cebu on Tuesday, according to Police Regional Office 7 (PRO7).

In a statement, PRO7 said the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 7 (RMFB7) and Danao City Police Station conducted the operation after gathering intelligence information on the illegal firearm production for almost two months.

“In total, eight suspects were arrested, and one individual surrendered voluntarily,” PRO7 said.

Seized from the operation were:

• 10 shanties
• 10 lathe machines
• unfinished pistols including two lower receivers, three upper receivers, and three  barrels
• grinder
• bench vice
• welding machine
• framed hacksaw
• assorted steel files
• drill bits
• sawdust
• assorted magazines

According to PRO7, the operation was part of its leadership’s strategic countermeasures against criminal gangs, drug syndicates, private armed groups, and terrorists who rely on illicit gun factories.

“The simultaneous dismantling of fifteen illegal gun-making sites reflects the intensity of our commitment to rid Central Visayas of deadly weapons,” PRO7 chief Police Brigadier General Redrico Maranan said.

“These manufacturers fuel violence by supplying firearms to criminal gangs, drug syndicates, private armed groups, and even insurgents like the NPAs and terrorists” he added. — Joviland Rita/RSJ, GMA Integrated News