The guns seized from three foreigners during a raid in Taguig City. (photo: NCRPO)
Operatives of the Regional Special Operations Group of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO-RSOG) arrested a foreign national for trying to bribe them with P3 million in exchange for the release and dropping of charges against three foreigners earlier arrested for yielding guns and grenades in Taguig City.
NCRPO director Maj. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez, Jr. lauded the RSOG operatives for displaying integrity despite the offer of huge sum of money.
“What they did was exemplary as it showed integrity and professionalism within law enforcement,” said Nartatez.
“This incident serves as a powerful testament to the steadfast dedication of our officers in upholding the rule of law and serving the public with honor and integrity. These are the kind of policemen that we need, to show our people that we can be trusted and that the NCRPO policemen are respectable and professional,” he added.
The bribery committed by suspect Zhuang Guangdong stemmed from the operation of RSOG operatives in Barangay Bambang, Taguig City on Sunday, April 14, that resulted in the arrest of 24-year old Haiqiang Su who yielded ling firearms, handguns and other gun parts.
Seized were a caliber 5.56 rifle Daniel Defense Black Creek GA USA M4 Carbine; two magazine assembly for caliber 5.56mm; 36 pieces of ammunition for cal. 5.5mm; six pieces of ammunition for cal. 9mm; an airsoft M16 rifle; three airsoft pistols; a tactical scope; two grenades; a tactical vest, three pistol holsters and a Chinese flag.
Nartatez said two other Chinese nationals present in the raided house were also arrested.
Later that evening, Nartatez said a certain Jerry Mari S. Cheng arrived at the RSOG headquarters in Taguig City and handed over two paper bags to Chinese Zhuang Guangdong, one of those arrested.
It was Zhuang who offered the P3 million cash to the RSOG personnel on duty in exchange for their release.
Instead of accepting the money, RSOG officers arrested Zhuang while Cheng managed to flee the scene after handing over the paper bag.
A complaint for Corruption of Public Officials is being prepared against Zhuang while efforts to apprehend Cheng are ongoing.
Fancy cars
Aside from the firearms and gun parts, Nartatez said they also confiscated a McLaren GTR sports car, which costs around P15 million to P30 million, for alleged illegal transfer of plates and use of improvised plates.
The McLaren GTR sports car is being inspected after it was seized from three foreigners who were arrested during a raid in Taguig City for illegal possession of firearms. (photo: NCRPO)
Also seized were a HONQI electric sports utility vehicle, a KTM Sports bike and an electric bike.
“These are luxury cars, they are expensive. We are questioning these because they failed to present any document. We will be coordinating with the Bureau of Customs and other concerned agencies,” said Nartatez.
What’s with the flag… and guns?
While Nartatez said the arrested Chinese are connected to the operation of Philippine Offshore Gaming (POGO), he said investigation and background check are now being conducted especially that firearms and a flag was confiscated from the suspects.
“If you have a flag, that is a sign of patriotism and it shows where you came from,” said Nartatez.
“But with the presence of firearms, that is unusual. So we are conducting a more deep profiling especially that they have finances, they have cars,” he added.
The operation came amid security concerns on the reported influx of Chinese in areas near Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites in the country like Cagayan and Cebu.
Nartatez said the presence of Chinese is connected to the operations of POGOs that operate mostly in the southern part of Metro Manila.