25 arrrested, 30 loose firearms confiscated in September—PNP

FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Twenty five persons were arrested, while more than 30 firearms and ammunition, mostly of which were high powered, were confiscated in September as the Philippine National Police continue its fight against loose firearms that commonly fall into the hands of private armed groups.

PNP made the statement citing the results of operations conducted by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group from September 1 to 15 .

It said amongst its most significant accomplishments was the buy-bust operation of unlicensed firearms at NCCC Mall Parking area, Ma-a, Davao City last September 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 units of .45-caliber, four empty magazines for .45-caliber 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,” PNP said.

It noted that cases such as violations of RA 8294 as amended by RA 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunitions Regulations Act), and some cases related to Sec. 3 of RA 9516 (Codifying Laws on firearms, ammos, explosive), RA 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,” PNP added.