Three men and a woman were arrested for possession of a gun and illegal drugs worth P141,440 in police operations in Taguig and Muntinlupa on Feb. 4 and 5.
In Muntinlupa, suspects John Peter Castillo, 30, and Lirio Hernandez, 37, were caught carrying a firearm and using suspected shabu in Purok 5, Barangay Sucat on Feb. 5.
Police said they recovered from Castillo a .38-caliber firearm loaded with four live ammunition.
Also seized from the two suspects were one plastic sachet containing suspected shabu weighing 0.2 gram with a value of P1,360, one aluminum foil with traces of shabu, one improvised aluminum foil tooter, and two disposable lighters.
The suspects will be charged with violations of Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002), Republic Act 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act) and Batas Pambansa 881 (Omnibus Election Code).
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has imposed a nationwide gun ban from Jan. 9 to June 8 in connection with the May 9 national and local elections.
“As we continue the PNP’s campaign in intensifying the implementation of gun ban, we in Southern Metro will be relentless in our police operations to ensure that people who violate the Comelect gun ban will be put behind bars,” said Southern Police District director Brig. Gen. Jimili Macaraeg.
On Feb. 4, Taguig police conducted a buy-bust operation that resulted in the arrest of suspects Michelle Pineda, 38, and Conrado Mendoza Jr., 43.
Seized from them were seven plastic sachets containing suspected shabu weighing 20.6 grams with a value of P140,080, and P200 buy-bust money.
“I would like to commend the Taguig City Police operatives for another successful operation. We will further intensify our operation in this illegal substance and other crimes in our area. The SPD will never cease to operate on arresting illegal drug personalities,” said Macaraeg.