The Southern Police District (SPD) arrested two Thai nationals after they were found in possession of firearms, grenade and surveillance equipment in Muntinlupa on March 27.
The suspects, identified by their aliases Sorawit, 32, and Nakorn, 38, residents of Bacoor, Cavite, were nabbed along Biazon Road in Barangay Poblacion, Muntinlupa at about 12:45 a.m.
The two Thai nationals arrested in Muntinlupa on March 27 (Photos from SPD)
They were arrested after a driver hired by the two reported to the police that they had firearms and electronic equipment.
Concerned about his safety, he attempted to leave but was allegedly coerced and intimidated, prompting him to make a discreet call to SPD’s District Intelligence Division (DID).
The police operatives arrived in the area and arrested the two suspects.
Found in their possession were two .45-caliber pistols, two magazines, 16 pieces of live ammunition, and one live fragmentation grenade.
The police also confiscated three cell phones, assorted IDs, a Thailand passport, and a vehicle.
They also seized suspected surveillance equipment, including a system unit, power supply, router, and a drone. These are being subjected to digital forensic examination to determine their potential use in espionage or other unlawful intelligence-gathering activities, the SPD said.
The SPD said the two Thai nationals were arrested for violation of the election gun ban.
The two suspects failed to present documents for the firearms or proof of Comelec exemption.
“This operation is a testament to the power of community vigilance and the dedication of our operatives. Thanks to the swift and strategic response of our intelligence team, we were able to neutralize a potential threat that could have had wider implications for public safety—especially with the upcoming elections,” said SPD chief, Brig. Gen. Manuel Abrugena.
The firearms, grenade and suspected surveillance equipment seized by the SPD (Photos from SPD)