Alleged gunrunner nabbed in Batangas, loose firearms seized — CIDG

A suspected gunrunner was arrested and three loose firearms were confiscated in an operation in Santo Tomas, Batangas, according to the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Wednesday.

At a press conference, CIDG acting director Police Brigadier General Christopher Abrahano said their provincial field unit conducted a buy-bust operation in Barangay San Bartolome on August 1.

“A report that reached me stated that the suspect ‘Zandy’ was caught while delivering and trading three unlicensed firearms — two caliber 5.56 rifles, and one caliber .22 rifle; magazines and ammunition,” he said.

“The arrested suspect is allegedly involved in illegal trading of firearms and gunrunning activities in Batangas and nearby provinces,” he added.

Another target of the operation remains at large, according to the CIDG chief. He said the two targets belonged to an organized group.

Abrahano noted that the confiscated items are not ordinary loose firearms but close to factory-built rifles with original parts. He said authorities are looking into the possibility that these were smuggled. 

“These are not manufactured here in the country. So, it begs the question, saan galing ito? Meron na ba tayong firearm smuggling na nangyayari? So we are looking at that ,” he said.

Abrahano commended the efforts of the CIDG personnel in the operation.

“I commend the CIDG Batangas Provincial Field Unit for the very swift and responsive operation that led to the successful arrest of this alleged gunrunner and the seizure of three loose firearms,” he said.

“With the confiscation of these firearms, we removed from circulation these instruments of killing, thereby, we significantly prevented crimes in the society. Maraming salamat sa inyo,” he added. — Joviland Rita/RSJ, GMA Integrated News