The police arrested an alleged member of a criminal group and two drug suspects in separate operations in Taguig on May 4 and 5.
Esmael Wakid aka Nashrudin Mama, 39, construction worker, was nabbed for possession of a firearm and ammunition along Datu Al Street, Purok 5, Barangay Napindan in Taguig.
According to the Taguig police, Wakid is suspected to be a member of the Ben Mama Criminal Group involved in gun-for-hire, illegal drugs, and robbery hold-up operating in Taguig, Pasay, Muntinlupa, and Paranaque.
The Taguig police’s Intelligence Section received a phone call from a Barangay Information Network (BIN) informant about the suspect armed with a gun.
Upon arrival, the police saw Wakid holding an improvised handgun loaded with one live ammunition that led to his arrest. He also failed to show documents for the firearm including a gun ban exemption from the Commission on Elections.
The police checked his records and found that he is allegedly a member of the criminal group.
Wakid will be charged with violation of Republic Act 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act) for illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition, and Omnibus Election Code (gun ban).
Southern Police District Director Brig. Gen. Jimili Macaraeg lauded the Taguig police for Wakid’s arrest.
“Our aim is to strengthen our campaign against loose firearms. These unlicensed firearms can be used in illegal activities,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Taguig police’s Drug Enforcement Unit conducted a buy-bust operation in front of the Tenement Building in Barangay Western Bicutan that resulted in the arrest of suspects Marlon Piñon, 45, and John Paul Villavicencio, 29.
Recovered from them were eight plastic sachets containing suspected shabu (methamphetamine hydrochloride) weighing 65.3 grams with a value of P444,040 and P2,000 buy-bust money.