2 foreigners arrested for gun running
Two foreign nationals arrested in a recent gun buy-bust operation in Pasay are being investigated by the Philippine National Police to determine whether they are linked to larger firearms syndicates operating in the country.
A 39-year-old Chinese national and a 33-year-old Taiwanese national were taken into custody in an operation conducted by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-Southern Metro Manila District Field Unit at a restaurant on J.W. Diokno Boulevard in Pasay City, on Feb. 25.
During the operation, the police confiscated a 9mm revolver, three live 9mm revolvers, live ammunition, buy-bust money, two mobile phones and a pouch bag.
Ongoing probe
In a statement on Friday, Police Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the arrest underscored the PNP’s determination to dismantle illegal firearms networks, particularly those involving foreign nationals.
“Our intelligence units are currently conducting a thorough validation to determine whether these individuals are part of a larger syndicate. At present, we are still investigating their connections and identifying who their accomplices here in the country may be,” Nartatez said.
“The law applies to everyone, regardless of nationality. We cannot allow the Philippines to become a playground for criminals. If you come here to break our laws, expect that the PNP will catch you and you will face the full force of justice,” he later added.
He then noted that the operation is part of a broader crackdown against the proliferation of loose firearms in Metro Manila, in line with the directive of President Marcos and Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla to intensify the crackdown on illegal arms and criminal syndicates nationwide.
