CIDG operatives check on the firearms seized from an active member of the Philippine Coast Guard who was arrested for gunrunning in San Simon, Pampanga in a buy-bust on Sept. 10, 2025. (photo: CIDG)
Operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) arrested a member of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) for allegedly engaging in online selling of loose firearms, including high-powered guns, in a buy-bust in Pampanga.
CIDG director Maj. Gen. Robert Morico said the active PCG memer, who is assigned to the Coast Guard Station in Manila, was collared while delivering a light weapon- caliber 5.56 rifle which was monitored to have been posted on social media.
Also seized during the operation in Barangay San Isidro in San Simon town was a caliber 9mm pistol.
“The modus operandi of the suspect is trading alleged loose firearms through online platforms,” said Morico as he lauded his men for intensifying intelligence-gathering that includes illegal business transactions on social media.
The suspect faces Unlawful Manufacture, Importation, Sale or Disposition of Firearms) of Republic Act No. 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act) in relation to Section 6 of Republic Act No. 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act) for trading loose firearms through cyber/online platform.