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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Tabloid reporter, 2 others arrested for gun-running in Makati City

Tabloid reporter, 2 others arrested for gun-running in Makati City

Published May 27, 2025 08:58 am

At A Glance

  • Amonfg those seized were a Bushmaster rifle and two Remington rifles, all chambered for 5.56 caliber ammunition
Metro Manila police inspect the firearms seized from the three suspects during an operation in Makati City
Metro Manila police inspect the firearms seized from the three suspects during an operation in Makati City

Three people, including a tabloid reporter, landed in jail after they were caught selling high-powered firearms in a buy-bust in Makati City on Monday night, May 26, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said.

NCRPO director Maj. Gen. Anthony A. Aberin said the operation stemmed from a small group of alleged gunrunners that had been selling high-powered firearms without the necessary permits and documents.

A police poseur buyer was able to negotiate for the purchase of the guns which resulted in the mapping out of the operation in front of an apartelle along Kalayaan Avenue, Barangay Guadalupe Nuevo, Makati City.

He identified the arrested suspects as John, Gaynor and Rodrigo.

After the arrest was announced, 26-year old John yielded a Bushmaster rifle, two Remington rifles, all chambered for 5.56 caliber ammunition; three pieces of 5.56 caliber magazines; and three black rifle bags. 

Also confiscated were boodle money amounting to ₱479,000.00 and one genuine ₱1,000.00 bill used as marked money, android phone, four firearms registration cards under his name, a green paper bag containing the boodle money, car key, and a brown carton box used to store the rifles. 

A white sedan with plate number was also seized, along with its official receipt and certificate of registration.

Seized from the reporter, on the other hand, were a Glock 21 Gen 4 pistol, four .45 caliber magazines, and 16 rounds of live ammunition while a certain Rodrigo yielded one extended magazine and one Glock magazine, both for Cal. 45, along with two Taurus magazines for Cal. 9mm. 

Aberin said the suspects failed to present any valid firearm documents or Comelec exemption which is in violation of Republic Act No. 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act), in relation to Republic Act No. 7166 and Comelec Resolution No. 11067, which enforces the gun ban during the election period. P

“NCRPO’s mission is clear:  To remove threats to peace and security in Metro Manila.  To do this, our strategy is constant: To conduct aggressive and intelligence-driven operations against the criminals even before they can perpetrate their lawlessness,” Aberin said.

“NCRPO continues to encourage the public to report any information related to the illegal possession, sale, or movement of firearms through the nearest police station or official communication channels,” he added.

Aberin said further investigation is underway to determine the suspects’ possible involvement in other illegal firearms transactions in Metro Manila. 

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