Police have arrested a female journalist and a trade union organizer in a series of operations in Metro Manila on Thursday, with lawmen describing the operation as part of the campaign against Illegal possession of illegal firearms and explosives.
Lady Ann Salem was arrested at around 9 a.m. after a raid in her condominium unit at Tower 3 of the Avida Towers located at the corner of EDSA and Reliance in Mandaluyong City. Also arrested during the operation was Rodrigo Esparago.
The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) reported that four .45 pistols, four grenades and various bullets were seized from the house of Salem when the search warrant was served.
Salem is reportedly an editor of the Manila Today and the communications officer of the global media group International Association of Women in Radio and Television.
Manila Today is reportedly a chapter of the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP).
On the other hand, 43-year old Dennise Velasco was collared in a raid in his house in Greater Lagro in Quezon City allegedly for possession of handguns, grenade and bullets.
The arrest of Salem and Velasco were presented as accomplishments of the CIDG against loose firearms and criminal gangs.
Also arrested during the series of operations in Metro Manila on Thursday morning were Mark Ryan Cruz, Romina Astudillo, Jaymie Gregorio, and Joel Demate.
All the search warrants used by the CIDG in the operations were issued by Judge Cecilyn Burgos- Villavert, executive judge of the Branch 89 of the Quezon City Regional Trial Court. In a statement, the CIDG said all the police operations were witnessed by barangay officials.
“Cases for violations of Republic Act 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Law) and RA 9516 (Illegal Possession of Explosives) are being readied for filing against the arrested persons,” the CIDG report read.
The government has recently intensified the crackdown against members of groups being linked to the New People’s Army. One of those earlier arrested was Amanda Echanis, a daughter of Anakpawis leader Randall Echanis who was stabbed dead in Quezon City a few months ago.