COPS SMASH CAVITE-BASED GUN TRAFFICKING RING

OPERATIVES of the National Capital Region Field Unit of the Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG-NCRFU) smashed a Cavite-based gun trafficking ring following a raid in Kawit, Cavite.

According to CIDG-NCRFU chief Col. Hansel M. Marantan, three men and a woman were arrested during the raid at the Louisito Gun Repair Shop in Kawit town.

Seized were 20 illegal guns, including three high-powered rifles, and a machine pistol equipped with a suppressor commonly known as “silencer.” Police said some of the seized weapons have tampered serial numbers.

The raid was conducted by the Southern Metro Manila District Field Unit of the CIDG-NCRFU led by Lt. Col. Stefanio Andrenicus Rabino amid information forwarded to them regarding the presence of an illegal Kawit gun repair store and firing range.

Acting on the information, the SMMDFU placed the establishment under surveillance for nearly two months before an actual buy-bust operation was conducted.

During the sting, an undercover officer managed to buy a handgun from the suspects for P18,000. After the deal was consummated, officers arrested the four and seized the illegal firearms in the area.

A background investigation showed that the suspects were also arrested for a similar offense by the National Bureau of Investigation in 2004 and the Bacoor City Police Station in 2008.

Marantan said they also found out that the suspects were involved in the repair of guns and are operating a small gun range without the necessary permits from the PNP Firearms and Explosives Office.

CIDG director Maj. Gen. Romeo M. Caramat Jr. said the operation is also part of their “Oplan: Paglalansag Omega” to account for loose firearms and private armed groups.