Three men, including a reporter, were arrested for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition during a police buy-bust operation in Makati City on Monday night, May 26.
At A Glance
- The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said the suspects, identified as "Gaynor," 52, a reporter; "John," 26; and "Rodrigo," 52, a maintenance worker, were nabbed by Southern Police District (SPD) operatives for alleged gunrunning.
NCRPO regional director Maj. Gen. Anthony Aberin presents the seized firearms and ammunition recovered from the three suspects to the media.
The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) identified the suspects as "Gaynor," 52, reporter; "Patrick," 26; and "Rodrigo," 52, maintenance worker. The three were nabbed by Southern Police District (SPD) operatives for alleged gunrunning.
Police recovered from the suspects guns and ammunition, including three 5.56 caliber rifles, and four firearm registration cards under Patrick's name. The boodle money worth P479,000 was also recovered from him.
A pistol, four .45-caliber magazines, and 16 rounds of live ammunition were seized from Gaynor.
Police also found a license to own and possess firearms, a firearm registration card, a permit to carry, and other identification documents from him.
Meanwhile, Rodrigo yielded two .45-caliber magazines, two .9mm magazines, 13 rounds of live ammunition, an ammunition case, and a license to own and possess firearm.
Police said the suspects failed to present a Commission on Elections (Comelec) gun ban exemption.
The suspects are now facing charges for violating Republic Act 10591 or the Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, in connection with Republic Act 7166 and Comelec Resolution 11067 or the gun ban implemented during the election period.
“The arrest of these individuals demonstrates our sustained commitment to stopping the proliferation of illegal firearms in our communities. These unlicensed weapons are more than just contraband—they are tools of violence that empower criminal elements, endanger innocent lives, and undermine public safety. Every firearm taken off the streets is a step toward a safer environment for our families and communities," SPD district director Brig. Gen. Joseph Arguelles said.
"We commend the vigilance and dedication of our operatives in executing this high-risk operation and reaffirm our unyielding resolve to rid our streets of these deadly instruments and hold accountable those who traffic them.” He added.