OPERATIVES of the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) seized 53 assorted firearms during a raid in Marikina City last Friday afternoon, PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. reported yesterday.
Acorda said an arms dealer was arrested during the operation. The suspect was not identified but was charged with illegal possession of firearms and ammunition last Sunday before the Marikina City Prosecutor’s Office.
In a press briefing at Camp Crame, Acorda said the raid at the suspect’s residence, which also serves as a gun store, was conducted by virtue of search warrants issued by a Marikina City court.
Seized during the operation were 26 “long firearms,” 27 “short firearms,” assorted ammunition, major and minor gun parts, tools and machines used in the manufacture of firearms.
Citing the results of the initial investigation, Acorda said the suspect has no license to operate a firearms business and has not submitted any application to the PNP’s Firearms and Explosives Office to sell and manufacture firearms.
Acorda said they have information that politicians reportedly maintaining private armed groups are among the patrons of the suspect.
“The investigation further revealed that the suspect uses his establishment and social media to trade unlicensed firearms wherein among his customers are high-profile gun enthusiasts, politicians with alleged private armies, and some uniformed personnel from the police and military,” said Acorda.
Acorda later clarified that policemen and soldiers merely sent their firearms to the shop of the suspect for repair.
Referring to individuals who bought firearms from the suspect, Acorda said: “Once we have the lead, they can be subjected to law enforcement operations because definitely these (sold) firearms are loose, these are loose and they are not supposed to be sold to private individuals.”
Acorda said the arrest of the suspect and the seizure of the large quantity of weapons is a big accomplishment in the ongoing efforts to ensure the coming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections would be orderly and peaceful.
“The person arrested is involved in online selling and some of his clients are private individuals who are maintaining private armed groups,” said Acorda.
“It means that our streets are safer. Every (loose) firearm seized will contribute to safer communities,” said Acorda.
