THREE suspected gunrunners in Metro Manila were hauled to jail by agents of the Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group during an entrapment operation in Quezon City, a report to PNP chief, General Rommel Francisco D. Marbil said yesterday.

The arrests were made in the wake of the top cop’s directive for the PNP-CIDG to help enforce the nationwide gun ban and further enhance the crime prevention and solution efficiency of the police force.

PNP-CIDG director, Major Gen. Nicolas D. Torre III said they have intensified their crackdown on loose firearms and criminal groups involved in gun-for-hire and gun-running activities across the country following the top cop’s instructions.

According to the official, members of the CIDG Anti-Organized Crime unit last Tuesday conducted the sting at the parking area of SM Fairview in Novaliches, Q.C. which led to the arrest of the three suspects after they conspired to sell illegal guns to an undercover officer.

He identified the accused through their aliases ‘Moncarl, Joel, and Patrick.’ The three were tagged as members of a newly identified criminal gang allegedly involved in gunrunning activities in the National Capital Region.

Recovered during the operation were one customized M16 A1 rifle, one M16 automatic rifle, and several loaded magazines.

Officers also impounded the suspects’ black Toyota HiAce GL Grandia and a white Honda Click 125 motorcycle.

Maj. Gen. Torre said they are checking information that suspect ‘Jerald,’ also known as “Big Boss,” was allegedly the primary supplier of illegal firearms and ammunition being sold to potential Private Armed Groups (PAGs) in Abra province.

The suspects were charged with violation of Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, Batas Pambansa 8881 or the Omnibus Election Code, and the Comelec-imposed gun ban.

“Rest assured that your CIDG is relentless in accounting and seizing loose firearms and explosives, and unyielding in catching criminal groups and Private Armed Groups involved in gun running and gun-for-hire activities,” said Maj. Gen. Torre.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Alfred P. Dalizon