Man nabbed for high powered firearms in Maguindanao

CAMP SIONGCO, MAGUINDANAO – Police and military authorities here arrested Wednesday a heavily armed man in Parang, Maguindanao after his neighbors alerted authorities about his arms cache.

Joint elements of 37th Infantry Battalion and police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) arrested Udtog K. Esmael in his house in Sitio Basurahan, Barangay GT Biruar, Parang, Maguindanao based on a search warrant issued by a local court, Capt. Arvin John Encinas, speaking for the 6th Infantry Division, said.

“The law enforcement was launched after neighbors alerted police and military authorities on Esmael’s high-powered guns,” Encinas said in a statement.

The suspect did not resist arrest and government agents seized from him a cal. 30 Browning Automatic Rifle, an M-16 Armalite Rifle, a rifle grenade, a hand cuff and two-way radio set.

It was not clear how Esmael had in his possession high-powered guns but Encinas said he was being investigated for possible involvement in illegal drugs trade.

Brig. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, 6th ID commander, lauded the police, the military, and the unidentified tipster for the arrest.