5 arrested for illegal possession of firearms in Bicol Region

MANILA, Philippines–The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group last week arrested members of a gun-running syndicate operating in the Bicol Region.

Apprehended were Ramil Saripe, the alleged leader of the gang, and his henchmen Tirso Mijares and Christopher Manlangit, last October 9 in Barangay (village) Concepcion Pequena, Naga City.

CIDG Director Benjamin Magalong said the trio were involved in gun-running activities in Camarines Sur.

Seized from the Saripe gang were two caliber .38 Smith and Wesson revolvers, ammunition and P18,000.

Meanwhile, the CIDG in Tacloban City also arrested two brothers who yielded guns, ammunition and illegal drugs.

Wilmar Esperas and his brother, Wilson were apprehended after police operatives implemented a search warrant at their house in Barangay 69, Rawis, Tacloban City.

Recovered were two cal. magnum 357 guns, ammunition and seven sachets of shabu and drug paraphernalia.

All the five suspects are facing charges of illegal possession of firearms and explosives. The Esperas brothers will face additional charges of drug possession.