COTABATO CITY – Two suspected gunrunners were arrested and four firearms were seized during an entrapment operation in Marawi City on Tuesday afternoon, police reported Wednesday.
Police Col. Caezar Cabuhat, Lanao del Sur police provincial director, identified the suspects as Alino Maamor Topaan, 47, and Sadam Sarip Baguan, 38, both Marawi City residents. They are known dealers of unlicensed firearms.
Seized from them were two M14 rifles and two M16 rifles, along with ammunition. Authorities also recovered the marked money used in the buy-bust, a vehicle, and various identification cards.
Cabuhat said an undercover agent acted as a buyer, with the handover and payment taking place in Marawi City.
“I commend the Marawi City police for their tireless efforts in encouraging wanted individuals to surrender peacefully and enforcing the law against those who refuse to cooperate,” Cabuhat said, adding that police teams, supported by Army personnel, continue their search for the suspects' cohorts. (PNA)