Authorities arrested four alleged gunrunners and seized three unlicensed high-powered firearms during a buy-bust operation in Midsayap, North Cotabato on May 30, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) said.
The CIDG said its Maguindanao Provincial Field Unit, together with other Philippine National Police units, carried out the operation at around 1:10 p.m. in Barangay Villarica for alleged violation of Republic Act 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
Seized from the suspects were one M14 rifle and two M16 rifles, all described by the CIDG as unlicensed light weapons.
A report submitted to CIDG Director Maj. Gen. Robert Morico II identified the arrested suspects only by their aliases “Buz,” “Boy,” “Mar,” and “Andy.” All are male and of legal age.
The CIDG said the suspects were caught while allegedly selling and delivering the three firearms without the necessary documents.
The suspects also failed to present permits and licenses to own, possess, and trade the firearms, according to authorities.
The CIDG said the four are allegedly involved in gunrunning activities in North Cotabato.
The operation was conducted under Oplan Paglalansag Omega, the CIDG’s intensified nationwide campaign against loose firearms, in line with the directive of PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr.
The CIDG commended Lt. Col. Niño Lope Briones, acting regional chief of the CIDG Regional Field Unit 15; Capt. Norman Marcos, chief of the CIDG Maguindanao Provincial Field Unit, and other participating PNP units for the arrest and confiscation of the firearms.
The agency said the operation underscored its commitment to preventing crimes by removing loose firearms from circulation.
It also vowed to continue enforcing laws against unlicensed firearms, gunrunning, and gun-for-hire activities across the country.