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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider CIDG arrests gun dealer selling loose firearms online; 53 guns seized in Marikina raid

CIDG arrests gun dealer selling loose firearms online; 53 guns seized in Marikina raid

Published Oct 2, 2023 04:40 am

Operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) seized at least 53 firearms following the arrest of an unlicensed gunsmith who was allegedly engaged in online selling of firearms and other gun accessories that include suppressors.

Gen. Benjamin Acorda, Jr., chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), said the successful operation conducted by the CIDG is part of the aggressive security measures to ensure peaceful and orderly barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE).

 

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The assorted firearms seized in a raid on an illegal gun store in Marikina City. (photo: CIDG)

 

“The arrested person was already subjected to inquest proceedings. Verifications were made with the FEO (Firearms and Explosives Office) and it turned out that there were no records on these seized firearms so these are all loose firearms,” said Acorda in a press briefing at Camp Crame in Quezon City.

“The person arrested is also involved in online selling and some of his clients are private individuals who are maintaining private armed groups,” he added.

CIDG director Police Maj. Gen. Romeo Caramat, Jr. said the operation stemmed from confirmed intelligence reports about the suspect using his social media account to sell unlicensed guns.

“Among his customers are high-profile gun enthusiasts, politicians with alleged private armies, and some uniformed personnel from the police and military,” said Caramat. 

Armed with to search warrants, CIDG operatives swooped down on the suspect’s store in Marikina City on Friday, Sept. 29, and resulted in his arrest and confiscation of 26 long firearms, 27 short firearms, assorted ammunition, as well as major and minor parts, tools, and machines used in manufacturing firearms.

Caramat said verifications revealed that the suspect had no license to operate a firearms business and had not submitted any application to the PNP’s Firearms and Explosives Office for dealing and manufacturing firearms. 

“What is disturbing in his illegal activity is that he was selling suppressors or silencers,” said Caramat.

Suppressors are usually being used by gun-for-hire men.

He said a criminal complaint for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition under Republic Act 10591 was filed against the arrested suspect on Oct.1 at the Office of the City Prosecutor, Marikina City.

Related Tags

Philippine National Police (PNP) CIDG BSKE
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