By Priam Nepomuceno and Lloyd Caliwan
MANILA, (PNA) — For the first 15 days of September, the PNP-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group announced that it has arrested 25 persons and confiscated 30 loose firearms as it intensified its campaign against illegal guns.
It added one of its most significant accomplishments was the buy-bust operation of unlicensed firearms at NCCC Mall Parking area, Ma-a, Davao City last Sept. 9 where Henry Ponce, 35, a suspected gun runner, was arrested.
Ponce is a suspected member of the Nacher Group, a notorious gang engaged in gun running activities in Region II.
Aside from the marked money, also confiscated during the sting include four .45 caliber pistols, four empty .45 clips and a black back pack.
“Most of the operations conducted were armed with search warrants and others were conducted in accordance with the existing PNP Rules on Police Operations,” the PNP said in a statement.
It noted that cases such as violations of RA 8294 as amended by Republic Act 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunitions Regulations Act), and some cases related to Sec. 3 of Republic Act 9516 (Codifying Laws on firearms, ammunition, explosive), Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drug Act of 2002) were filed against the 25 arrested persons.
All confiscated firearms have been turned over to the proper courts.
“Were it not for the timely and judicious disposition in the conduct of these Police Operations the aforementioned firearms could have been gone to the wrong hands,” PNP said.
“Now that some of these loose firearms are now under the control of the proper authorities . . . PNP units like the CIDG will do its best to arrest more violators of the law particularly “gun runners,” the PNP concluded.