Authorities arrested five people and seized loose firearms in separate operations in Maguindanao del Sur and Bukidnon.

Members of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) arrested two men, both residents of Barangay Ilian, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao del Sur, after they were allegedly caught delivering and trading four caliber 5.56 rifles without the necessary permits and licenses.

CIDG said the two were allegedly involved in gunrunning activities in the Bangsamoro region.

Meanwhile, three people – two men and a woman – were also arrested in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon after they were allegedly caught trading three unlicensed guns, including a caliber 30 rifle, a caliber .45 pistol, and a caliber 5.56 revolver.

All suspects arrested in the separate operations are facing charges for violation of the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act (RA 10591).

“With this accomplishment, we removed from the circulation the very instruments of killing, thereby, we significantly prevented crimes in the community,” CIDG Acting Director, Major General Robert Morico II, said.