Two men were arrested in Taguig and Mandaluyong for possession and sale of firearms and grenades.
The operations were carried out by the Southern Police District (SPD) Intelligence Division and District Special Operations Unit in Taguig and Mandaluyong.
During a press conference Monday, SPD Director Brig. Gen. Jimili Macaraeg identified the suspects as Nichol John Jerusalem, 30, and Bruce de Leon, 32.
Jerusalem was nabbed during a buy-bust operation at Extension 9th Street, Brgy. Katuparan, Taguig on Sept. 16.
The suspect was arrested after a police poseur buyer was able to purchase an assault rifle and grenade launcher for P180,000.
Confiscated from Jerusalem were one Blackwater 5.56 assault rifle, one Bushmaster 5.56 assault rifle, one Dublin 12-gauge shotgun, one 0470TRW grenade launcher, one Norinco AK47 assault rifle, eight long magazine of 5.56 assault rifle, three short magazines of 5.56 assault rifle, three AK47 magazines, five boxes of caliber 7.62 live ammunition, 13 pieces of caliber 7.62 live ammunition, five pieces live shotshells, 10 pieces 5.56 live ammunition, one steel box of ammunition, 19 cartridges of 40mm, one rifle grenade and one MK2 fragmentation grenade.
De Leon, who was able to escape in the Taguig buy-bust, was captured in a follow-up operation on Sept. 17 at Luna Street corner Shaw Blvd., Brgy Concepcion, Mandaluyong.
Recovered from De Leon were one Bushmaster assault rifle, one caliber .38 revolver, one magazine of 5.56 assault rifle, 10 boxes of 5.56 live ammunition, 31 pieces of 5.56 live ammunition, one hunting knife, two cell phones and one Yamaha motorcycle.
The two suspects are now under the custody of the District Special Operations Unit while complaints for violation of Republic Act 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act of 2012), Republic Act 9516 (Unlawful Possession of Firearms, Ammunition and Explosive) and Batas Pambansa Blg. 6 (concealing bladed weapon) are being prepared against them.
"Once again I commend our District Intelligence Division and Special Operations Unit for yet another successful operation this time against gun runners who are responsible for the proliferation of loose firearms on our streets. Let this be a warning to those who continue their illegal activities -- you can run, but you can never hide,” said Macaraeg.