By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan
MANILA – Police nabbed three alleged members of a gunrunning syndicate during a buy-bust operation in Danao City, Cebu seizing several firearms and ammunition from them, the Police Regional Office (PRO) 7 (Central Visayas) said Monday.
PRO7 Director Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan said the Regional Special Project Unit (RSPU) 7 operatives, in coordination with the Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RMFB) 7, arrested Requerod Ambrad Durano, Crispin Aloba Desabille, and Troy Raya Roland Caranoo in Barangay Suba, Danao City on March 21.
The arrest of the suspects was the result of months of intelligence gathering and surveillance, Maranan said.
He said seized from the were unlicensed three .45 caliber pistols with six empty magazines; one unassembled KG9 machine pistol with two empty magazines; and one unassembled Black Widow 9mm pistol.
He said the suspects are members of a group engaged in the selling of loose firearms to criminal groups operating not only in Central Visayas but also in other parts of the country.
Authorities have been closely monitoring their activities due to the threat they pose to public safety and security, he said.
“This successful operation is part of our intensified campaign to dismantle illegal firearms networks and prevent weapons from falling into the wrong hands. We will not stop until all individuals involved are held accountable,” Maranan in a statement.
The three arrested suspects will be charged with violations of Republic Act No. 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act) in relation to the Omnibus Election Code.
Meanwhile, Maranan said a manhunt operation is underway for another suspect, Requerod Moreno Durano Sr., who eluded the arresting team.
Maranan urged the public to report any information that may lead to the arrest of Durano Sr., a former barangay councilor of Barangay Suba, Danao City. (PNA)
