OPERATIVES of the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) arrested a member of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) for gunrunning in San Simon, Pampanga.
The CIDG named the suspect only as “Ray,” assigned to the Coast Guard Station in Manila.
Ray was arrested in a buy-bust operation in Barangay San Isidro last Wednesday while in the act of “delivering and trading” a caliber 5.56 rifle, the CIDG said.
Also seized from him was a caliber 9 mm pistol.
“The modus operandi of the suspect is trading alleged loose firearms through an online platform,” the CIDG said in a statement on Saturday afternoon.
The CIDG said Ray was already charged for violating the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, in relation to the Cybercrime Prevention Act.
“With this accomplishment, we removed from the circulation the instruments of killing; thereby, we significantly prevented crime,” said acting CIDG director Maj. Gen. Robert Morico.
Morico assured the public that the CIDG is “steadfast in enforcing the law – without fear or favor and relentless in its fight against loose firearms.”
PCG commandant Adm. Ronnie Gil Gavan, in a statement yesterday, denounced the illegal activity of the arrested PCG member.
“The PCG has zero tolerance for any behavior that undermines public trust, tarnishes organizational integrity, or violates our ethical obligations,” said Gavan.
Gavan said he has ordered the Coast Guard Station in Manila to “fully cooperate” with the PNP investigation.
“Should the suspect be found guilty of violating Republic Act No. 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, in relation to Section 6 of Republic Act No. 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act, he shall be dishonorably discharged from the Coast Guard service,” said Gavan.
