53 firearms seized from gun dealer in Marikina

The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) seized at least 53 firearms in Marikina City following the arrest of an unlicensed gun dealer whose customers allegedly include politicians with private armies, Gen. Benjamin Acorda, Jr., chief of the Philippine National Police, said on Monday. The CIDG agents raided the suspect’s shop on Friday and confiscated 26 long firearms, 27 short firearms, assorted ammunition and other materials used in making firearms. “The arrested person had no license to operate a firearms business,” Acorda told a press briefing. Police Maj. Gen. Romeo Caramat Jr., director of the CIDG, said the suspect also sold silencers, which are usually used by gun-for-hire syndicates.

—Frances Mangosing