2 alleged drug gang members nabbed; firearms seized in buybust operation in San Mateo

MANILA, Philippines – Police operatives arrested two alleged members of a drug syndicate and seized four firearms following a buy bust operation in San Mateo, Rizal on Thursday, an official said Friday.

Police Director Benjamin Magalong of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) identified the two suspects as Christian Merencillo and Rodante Cruz Jr. of the Merencillo Gang, tagged as responsible for the drug syndicate operations in Rizal and nearby areas.

Magalong said the operation was organized 5:00 p.m. Thursday in Barangay (village) Dulongbayan.

Confiscated from the two suspects were a glock 23 caliber .40 pistol, a bushmaster caliber 5.56 mm, 5.56 rifle, a caliber .45 armscor and a Chevrolet vehicle used by the suspects.

The police official said the arrested persons were brought now under police custody and would face charges for violation of Republic Act 8294 or the Illegal Possession of Firearms.