Authorities arrested three men for allegedly selling firearms and explosives illegally during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Baluntay, Alabel, Sarangani.

Members of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-SOCCSKSARGEN (CIDG-12) and Alabel Municipal Police Station launched the operation after receiving information about the suspects’ illegal activities.

Seized from the suspects were three guns, ammunitions, and an explosive rifle grenade.

CIDG-12 said the suspects may be connected with the group allegedly responsible for the killing of two men whose skeletal remains were dug out at a vacant lot in Barangay Baluntay last December 25, 2024.

“Tuloy-tuloy kasi yung operation natin doon regarding doon sa illegal activities ng grupo na posibleng involved din doon sa nahukay natin na dalawang bangkay, skeletal remains, dahil yung tinutumbok na grupo doon ay involved talaga sa iligal na pagbebenta ng baril, gun-for-hire, land grabbing at saka sa illegal drugs,” CIDG-12 Sarangani Chief, Major Jun Fortunato, said.

The suspects are now detained and are facing charges for alleged violation of the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act (RA 10591), Unlawful Possession of Explosives (RA 9516), and Omnibus Election Code.

The suspects did not issue a statement, as of this writing.

CIDG-12 said the campaign against the illegal sale and possession of firearms is being strengthened because of the election period.

“Nagko-concentrate kami sa operation sa ‘Paglalansag Omega,’ which is target namin yung mga nagbebenta ng baril at yung illegal possession na pagmamay-ari ng baril,” Fortunato added.