Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Guillermo Lorenzo Eleazar directed a thorough probe into the discovery of firearms and ammunition in two separate operations in Bulacan and Quezon City.
“Sa ating patuloy na kampanya laban sa loose firearms upang matiyak ang maayos at tahimik na Halalan 2022, nalansag natin ang isang gun-running syndicate sa dalawang magkasunod na operasyon ng inyong PNP at AFP sa Bulacan at Quezon City,” said PGen Elezar.
He said that he had already instructed the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) to coordinate with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in the conduct of the investigation.
The first operation of the National Capital Region Police Office and the military was conducted in a warehouse in Quezon City where six people were arrested. More than 5,000 assorted ammunition along with personal effects and gadgets were seized from the suspects.
Another raid was conducted on a warehouse in Sta. Maria, Bulacan which led to the discovery of more parts for assorted high-powered firearms. Another operation in Bulacan also resulted in the confiscation of reassembled cal. 5.56 rifle, assorted ammunition, pistols, and other firearm parts for reassembly.
“I would like to commend our AFP and PNP personnel for busting this syndicate responsible for the illegal manufacture and sale of firearms and ammunition,” said PGen Eleazar.
“These operations prevented the proliferation of more loose firearms that could have been used to undermine our democratic processes and our right to suffrage, especially that there were reports that this group has been selling firearms to criminals and private goons in Mindanao,” he added.
The Chief PNP also tasked police offices and units to intensify intelligence gathering measures to locate other areas or warehouses that could have been illegally used as storage of firearms.
Earlier, PGen Eleazar ordered all police commanders to start the election security for next year’s polls by running after private armed groups and loose firearms that could threaten the peaceful conduct of the elections.
(PNP-PIO)-rir
