A MAN accused of involvement in illegal online gun trafficking on Saturday was arrested by agents of the Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group in an entrapment operation in Mexico, Pampanga, PNP-CIDG director Brig. Gen. Nicolas D. Torre III said yesterday.

The official said that the suspect, identified only as alias “Oliver,” was placed under arrest by members of the CIDG Regional Field Unit 3 shortly after he sold unlicensed gun spare parts to an undercover officer at the parking lot of SM City in Mexico municipality 10 p.m. Saturday.

The entrapment operation was conducted by the CIDG RFU 3 after officers monitored the presence of the accused, who was selling unlicensed firearms thru an online platform.

During the sting, the suspect yielded a rifle bag containing one upper receiver of a Colt caliber 5.56 semi-automatic rifle, one Bushmaster cal. 5.56 rifle lower receiver and a bolt carrier and the P100,000 buy-bust money topped by a marked P1,000 bill.

A search of the suspect’s Mitsubishi Space Gear led to the recovery of a sling bag containing one cal. .22 SW22 Victory pistol with an optic and suppressor, one cal. .45 Colt semi-automatic pistol with an optic sight, and steel magazines with live ammunition.

Torre said the suspect is now under the custody of the CIDG Pampanga Provincial Field Unit facing criminal charges for violation of Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulations Act of 2013 in relation to RA 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

“Unlicensed weapon sales contribute to higher crime rates and endanger public safety. It is critical to remain vigilant and report any unlawful activity to local authorities,” said the PNP-CIDG director in referring to the successful effort by the Central Luzon CIDG to arrest the accused.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Alfred P. Dalizon