Two men, including a criminal syndicate member, were arrested by the police for alleged selling illegal firearms in two separate entrapment operations in Quezon City on Monday, March 28, and Tuesday, March 29.
Lt. Col Rix Villareal, Quezon City Police District (QCPD) Masambong Police Station (PS 2) commander, identified one of the suspects as Aldrin Grego, 25, a resident of Barangay Zone 23, Tondo, Manila.
Based on a tip from an informant, personnel of the PS 2 and the Regional Special Operations Group (RSOG) conducted the entrapment operation against the suspect along Roosevelt Avenue, Brgy. San Antonio, at around 12:30 a.m. on Tuesday. A police officer acted as a poseur-buyer and met the suspect at the location.
After their transaction, the poseur-buyer gave a signal to the other responding operatives which led in the suspect’s arrest.
According to the police, Grego is an alleged member of the “Basag Salamin” crime group, known for breaking and stealing side mirrors of vehicles in Metro Manila. He was previously arrested for robbery and theft.
Seized from the suspect were four caliber .38 revolvers, 15 bullets, a black Yamaha Mio morotcycle and a fake certificate of registration (CR), several birth certificates, and identification cards.
Meanwhile, the QCPD Special Operation Unit (DSOU) launched another entrapment operation along Old Samson Road, Brgy. Apolonio Samson, at around 3 p.m. on March 28, and arrested Ryan Castro, 33, a resident of the said barangay.
Police said they also received information from a confidential informant regarding the suspect’s illegal gun trade.
Authorities recovered from the suspect one caliber .38 revolver, 13 cartridges, and a Kawasaki Barako motorcycle which was confirmed to be a vehicle stolen on the same day while it was parked along Susano Road, in Brgy. San Agustin.
Both suspects will face charges for violation of Republic Act (RA) 10591 or the “Comprehensive Firearm and Ammunition Regulation Act,” police said.
Castro will also be charged for violation of RA 10883 (carnapping) and Article 304 (possession of pick locks and similar tools) of the Revised Penal Code.