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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PNP probes possible link of arrested foreign arms dealers to gun syndicates in Metro Manila, nearby regions

PNP probes possible link of arrested foreign arms dealers to gun syndicates in Metro Manila, nearby regions

Published Feb 27, 2026 02:50 pm
(Courtesy of Philippine National Police)
(Courtesy of Philippine National Police)
The Philippine National Police is investigating whether two foreign nationals arrested in a recent gun buy-bust operation in Pasay City are connected to supposedly larger firearms syndicates operating in Metro Manila and nearby regions, the country’s top cop said Friday, Feb. 27.
The two foreigners, a 39-year-old Chinese national and a 33-year-old Taiwanese national, were apprehended in an operation conducted by the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group–Southern Metro Manila District Field Unit inside a restaurant along J.W. Diokno Boulevard in Pasay City last Feb. 25.
“Our intelligence units are currently conducting a thorough validation to see if these individuals are part of a larger syndicate. Sa ngayon, iniimbestigahan pa natin ang kanilang mga koneksyon at kung sino pa ang mga kasabwat nila rito sa bansa (At present, we are still investigating their connections and who else their accomplices are in the country),” Nartatez said.
The arrest stemmed from an intelligence tip received by the police that a foreigner identified only as "Lucy" was allegedly involved in the sale of unregistered firearms in southern Metro Manila.
Police confiscated a 9mm revolver, three live rounds of 9mm ammunition, buy-bust money, two mobile phones, and a pouch bag from the suspects.
Nartatez said the operation was part of a broader crackdown on the proliferation of loose firearms in the country.
“The law applies to everyone regardless of nationality. Hindi namin papayagan na gawing palaruan ng mga kriminal ang Pilipinas (We will not allow the Philippines to be turned into a playground for criminals). If you come here to break our laws, expect that the PNP will catch you and you will face the full force of justice,” he said.

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PNP Chinese Taiwanese arms dealer Pasay gun syndicate loose firearms
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