SPD nabs 2 gun dealers, seizes 5 revolvers in Parañaque sting
Police present the unregistered firearms recovered from the two suspects who were arrested in an entrapment operation in Parañaque City. (Photo from the Southern Police District)
Operatives of the Southern Police District (SPD) arrested two suspected illegal firearms dealers and seized five unregistered .38-caliber revolvers during a buy-bust operation in Parañaque City on Thursday, June 25.
The SPD said the suspects, identified as Toto, 32, a resident of Las Piñas City, and Joane, 35, of Parañaque City, were nabbed at around 6 p.m. at Car City Garage along Mia Road, New Seaside Drive, Barangay Tambo.
The operation was carried out by personnel from the District Special Operations Unit (DSOU), District Intelligence Division (DID), District Mobile Force Battalion (DMFB), and the Parañaque City Police.
Police said the operation stemmed from information provided by a confidential informant regarding the suspects’ alleged involvement in the illegal sale and distribution of unregistered firearms.
Authorities then conducted an entrapment operation in which an undercover police operative successfully purchased a firearm from the suspects, leading to their arrest.
Recovered during the operation were five unlicensed .38-caliber revolvers placed inside a red eco-bag, two cellular phones, and boodle money used in the transaction.
The suspects are currently detained at the police custodial facility and face charges for violating Republic Act No. 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
Police said the seized firearms will undergo verification by the Firearms and Explosives Office (FEO) and forensic ballistics examination to determine if they are linked to recent robbery and holdup incidents in Metro Manila.