CAMP VICENTE LIM -- A woman who was held after P209,595 worth of firearms were seized in her possession as she was about to board a vessel at the Batangas port on Monday was released, a Coast Guard official said Tuesday.

Albertina Morales, was freed also on Monday, said Batangas Coast Guard Station Commander Troy Cornelio.

"The real owner of the gun store already contacted us and it appeared that Morales was only instructed [to transport the firearms]," said Cornelio.

He did not, however, identify the gun store owner.

The turnover of the firearms was set this Tuesday at the Batangas city police. "It is up to police if they will file charges," he said.

Coast Guard officers seized the assorted firearms after intercepting Morales as she was boarding at around 8 a.m. the MV Supercat 20 bound for Calapan City, Mindoro Occidental.

Included in the seized firearms were 556 pieces of ammunition, 300 pieces of .45 caliber pistols, 200 pieces of 9-millimeter pistols, a shotgun, and gun accessories such as gun oil bottles, magazine pouches and holsters.

Morales told officials the firearms were intended for a gun store catering to security agencies but the Coast Guard doubted the story because of the high caliber involved.

"These are high powered guns that security guards would not usually use," Cornelio said.

Morales carried documents but authorities found discrepancies as there was a different name on the document attesting to the transport of the guns.

"The Coast Guard has directed all units to be more vigilant and visible following terror attacks in Mumbai India," a press statement from the Coast Guard said.

The firearms were kept at the Batangas Coast Guard Station pending their turnover to the Batangas City police.