TUGUEGARAO CITY- Three alleged gun runners in Santiago City were arrested in buy-bust operation in Barangay Malvar, Santiago City.
Suspects were identified as Mario Bersamin Ta-A, 48, a businessman from San Ignacio, San Mateo, Isabela; Eduardo Castillo Bose, 50, from San Juan, Abra province; and a 13 year-old boy from Abra.
Santiago City Police Director Senior Superintendent Percival Rumboa in his report said Santiago City Police and the city’s Criminal Detection and Investigation Group conducted the operation at the parking area of Fourlanes, Malvar, said city on Friday, April 13.
Authorities confiscated from the suspects three units high powered Armalite rifles with markings M4 cal 5.56 mm, Colt Defense Conn USA; Colt AR-15, Colt Firearms Division, Colt Industries Hartford, ConnUSA with markings M4, Colet Defense Hartford, CONN USA.
Police also seized seven magazines for M14 rifle; two long and two short magazines for M16 rifle, and assorted live ammunition particularly 32 pieces of ammo for 5.56 AP 05, 23 pieces for 22 TCM AP, and 15 pieces of ammo for 9mm).
Further, the suspects used a black van in transporting the firearms and ammunition, police said.
The suspects will face charges in violation of Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
Meanwhile, Rumboa credited the success of the operation to the “organized deployment and stern enforcement of laws by Santiago City Police.”
“It’s a clear manifestation that police presence and intervention will definitely bring an orderly and peaceful Santiago City,” Rumboa said.
In a press release, Cagayan Valley Police Director Chief Superintendent Jose Mario Espino commended the team for their successful operation.
“The arrest of the suspects is very timely especially that the Barangay and SK Elections are fast approaching. May this serve as a stern warning to those who have intentions of doing illegal activities,’ Espino said.
Starting April 14, the police and military are on high alert as they beef up security measures in preparation for the said elections. Northernforum.net
