2 Singaporeans, Filipino nabbed in Valenzuela gun bust

(Photo courtesy of CIDG)

MANILA, Philippines —  Two Singaporeans, along with their Filipino cohort, were arrested for possession and sale of loose firearms in Valenzuela City last April 17, according to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

In a report Saturday, CIDG identified the two foreigners as Desmond and Louis Poh and a certain “Mark,” whom authorities described as “a protection agent.” The three were caught in possession of 10 loose firearms and an airsoft replica during a buy-bust operation along Barangay General T De Leon.

Of the 10 firearms, four were classified as light weapons — an M-15 rifle, a Garand M2 carbine,  an MK-9 sub-machine gun, and an MKGs 9mm rifle — while the other six were small arms:  four units caliber 9mm pistol, a caliber 45 pistol, and a caliber 22 pistol. Also confiscated from the suspects were magazines and live ammunition.

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CIDG said the buy-bust operation stemmed from a validated report that the “three individuals are allegedly involved in gun-running activities within Metro Manila and nearby provinces.”

The three suspects are currently under police custody and are facing complaints for violating Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.

When approached by local media after their arrest, the two Singaporeans declined to comment.

The Philippines has from Jan 12 to June 11 enforced a ban on members of the public carrying firearms outside their residence or place of business to minimize election-related violence ahead of the nation heading to the polls on May 12.

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The CIDG said that with the confiscation of these loose firearms and apprehension of the possessors, the police have significantly suppressed the so-called “guns, goons, and gold” of Philippine politics.

The arrested suspects have been charged with violating the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act. They each face a 40-year jail term if convicted.

The police are also investigating if there are other members in the syndicate. With a report from The Straits Times/Asia News Network