Joint police and military operatives arrested two people after they yielded illegal drugs and 62 pieces of unlicensed firearms at a checkpoint in Davao City on Saturday, Sept. 25.
The Philippine Army's 10th Infantry Division (10ID) identified the suspects as Michael John Lantoria, 40, of Carmen, Cagayan de Oro; and Sebastian Quiblat, 61, of Opol, Misamis Oriental.
A military report said personnel of the Task Force Davao and Davao City Police Office were conducting a checkpoint operation in Brgy. Lacson, Calinan District when the suspects were flagged down around 9:20 a.m.
The troops checked the pick-up truck of the suspects with plate number KAA 7618 and were surprised to see 43 pieces of 9mm pistols, 18 pieces of 12-gauge shotguns; a caliber .38 pistol, and assorted magazines and ammunition.
Colonel Darren Comia, commander of Task Force Davao, said the suspects could not present any document that would prove the firearms were authorised for transport.
The troops also frisked the suspects and they allegedly yielded five plastic sachets containing suspected shabu. The illegal drugs weighed approximately three grams and were estimated to be worth P48,000.
Major Gen. Ernesto Torres Jr., commander of 10ID, lauded the troops for busting the suspects and preventing the transportation of the illegal contrabands in Davao City.
"For the peace spoilers, you have no room in the area of 10ID," Torres said.
The suspects and the pieces of evidence were placed under the custody of the Calinan Police Station for proper disposition.