AN Army soldier was arrested by police operatives for gunrunning during an entrapment operation in Cebu City last week.
PNP chief Gen. Dionardo Carlos identified the suspect as S/Sgt. Cristobal “Chris” Pantoja, 46, assigned with the 7th Regional Community Defense Group of the Army Reserve Command.
Pantoja was nabbed after selling several firearms to a poseur buyer at the Kamagong Range Parking Area inside the headquarters of the AFP Visayas Command in Cebu City.
Seized from him were two 5.56mm rifles, three cal. 45 pistols, three magazines for cal. 45 pistol and two firearms silencer.
Carlos said the operation was part of the PNP’s efforts to stop the proliferation of loose firearms, especially during the national and local elections in May next year.
“The PNP is taking aggressive steps in the campaign against the proliferation of illegal firearms to ensure the peaceful and orderly conduct of the National and Local Elections in May 2022,” said Carlos.
Carlos said the successful operation should serve as a warning to anyone involved in gunrunning activities.
Pantoja will be charge for possession and sale of firearms and ammunition under the Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
He said the confiscated guns be submitted to the Regional Forensic Group 7 (Central Visayas) for ballistics examination.
