An active policeman and a former Army soldier were arrested after allegedly selling loose firearms during a buy-bust operation in Villasis town, Pangasinan, on Tuesday afternoon.
The arrested police officer was identified as Chief Master Sergeant Rogelio Ordonio, 52, who is assigned to the Cuyapo police station in Nueva Ecija and resides in Binalonan town, Pangasinan. The former soldier was identified as Edwin Estonilo, 41, also a resident of Binalonan.
Operatives from the Philippine National Police (PNP) Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) arrested the two suspects in Barangay Puelay, Villasis, after they allegedly sold a Bushmaster 5.56 mm rifle and a .45 caliber pistol to an undercover buyer.
Along with the firearms, authorities recovered assorted magazines, ammunition, and the buy-bust money used in the sting.
Police investigators are preparing criminal charges against both suspects. Ordonio will also face administrative proceedings that could result in his dismissal from the police service.
“I will not allow the wrongdoings of the few to taint the integrity and professionalism of the entire police organization,” PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said regarding the arrest of Ordonio.
Nartatez said the successful operation should serve as a stern warning that the police force will be swift in running after erring policemen who are in cahoots with criminal elements that they are supposed to put in jail.
He commended the CIDG personnel involved in the operation, noting that they worked hard to identify and eventually arrest the suspects.
“This is proof that the PNP itself does not tolerate the illegal activities of its own personnel,” Nartatez also said.