The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) uncovered a cache of unlicensed firearms on Friday in an operation in Marikina City.
CIDG operatives in collaboration with other police units swooped down on the residence and store of an unlicensed gun dealer which resulted in the recovery and confiscation of 26 long firearms, 27 short firearms, assorted ammunition, as well as major and minor parts, tools, and machines used in manufacturing firearms.
According to the CIDG, a person was arrested in the raid. The person reportedly had no license to operate a firearms business and had not submitted any application to the PNP’s Firearms and Explosives Office for dealing and manufacturing firearms.
The investigation further revealed that the suspect uses his establishment and social media to trade unlicensed firearms wherein among his customers are high-profile gun enthusiasts, politicians with alleged private armies, and some uniformed personnel from the police and military.
A criminal complaint for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition punishable under Republic Act 10591 was filed against the arrested suspect on October 1, 2023 at the Office of the City Prosecutor, Marikina City.
Meanwhile, the Chief PNP commended the operation conducted by the CIDG which ended in the recovery of several unlicensed firearms now that the country is under the election gun ban.
“I commend the CIDG personnel behind this laudable accomplishment, and I assure the public that the PNP will persist in its pursuit to maintain peace and order throughout the country,” Police General Benjamin Acorda said.