2 gunsmiths nabbed in Mandaue, Cebu raids

Police arrested two gunsmiths in separate operations in Mandaue and Cebu cities yesterday afternoon.

Police said Stephen Lim and Mario Abangan were arrested for operating with expired permits.

The shops of Lim and Abangan were raided by agents of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG-7) based on search warrants issued by Regional Trial Court Judge Silvestre Maamo Jr.

Lim is the owner of TBA Exponent in barangay Ibabao, Mandaue City, while Abangan’s shop is located in barangay Punta Princessa, Cebu City.

Police said documents from Camp Crame showed that Lim and Abangan had expired licenses.

The documents were signed by lawyer Napoleon Estilles, chief of the Firearms and Explosive Units.

Lim’s lawyer, Ismael Trinidad, told reporters that his client has renewed his permit and is just waiting for its release.

Trinidad showed documents to prove that his client filed an application last November 2009 with the Firearms Explosives Security Agencies and Guards Supervisory Section.

Trinidad said Lim started the business in 2002 with proper documents.

Seized from the shop of Lim were four guns, including a high-powered long firearm. CORRESPONDENT CHITO O. ARAGON