JOINT operatives of the Anti-Terrorism Section-Regional Intelligence Division, (ATS-RID), Regional Special Operations Group- RID (RSOGRID), National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), and Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Angeles CFU, together with Makati City Police Station seized 13 high-powered firearms and arrested a dealer in Makati City.
In a report to NCRPO Regional Director, PMGen Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., said operatives conducted an intelligence-driven operation leading to the arrest of the suspect on November 16, 2023, at about 2:30 PM at a gasoline station, in J.P. Rizal corner Calasanz St., Brgy. Olympia, Makati City.
PMGen Nartatez stated that with the volume of loose firearms confiscated, an ongoing investigation is being conducted to verify if those firearms were used in terroristic activities, gun for hire, and other illegal activities.
The suspect was identified as Juanito Tanghal y Fajardo, 56 years old, married, a vendor, and a resident of San Isidro, Makati City. He was caught in the act of transporting several high-powered firearms.
Confiscated pieces of evidence are the following : 5.56mm Assault Rifle, Bushmaster; 5.56mm M16A2, Assault Rifle, Elisco, with defaced serial number, with mounted bipod and scope; 7.62mm, M14 Assault Rifle, with mounted bi-pod and scope; 40mm M203 grenade launcher, COLT .30 Carbine Assault Rifle; Cal. 45 Thompsom Submachine Gun; 9mm, COBRAY INGRAM; 9mm, INGRAM, without serial number; Cal. 30mm, US Carbine M1, without serial number; Cal. 30mm, US Carbine M1; Cal. 30mm, US Carbine M2, without serial number; Cal. 45 Pistol, COLT Cal. 45 Pistol, unassembled , Several magazines assembly for various caliber, Several boxes of ammunition of various calibers, a wallet containing identification card depicting the name Juanito Tanghal L y Fajardo; and FORD, Ranger WILDTRAK, bearing plate number AAU 6063.
On November 14, 2023, at Brgy. Pandan, Angeles City, joint operatives of CIDG Angeles CFU and ATS-RID, NCRPO conducted an entrapment/buy-bust operation that led to the arrest of a certain Santiago Fernandez y Tui alias Bryan Marcos and confiscation of one (1) unit 5.56mm Assault Rifle, Daniel Defense with mounted 40mm M203 grenade launcher.
After the entrapment/buy-bust operation, operatives immediately conducted an investigation and intelligence research that led to the establishment of the residential address of Bryan Marcos at Makiling Street, Olympia Village, Makati City. Pending the application for a search warrant, operatives conducted a 24/7 stake-out operation on the said house.
Upon verification at the Regional Civil Security Unit- National Capital Region (RCSU-NCR), records show that Bryan Marcos has no License to Own and Possess Firearms (LTOPF) and is not a registered firearm holder of any kind, make, or caliber.
The suspect onboard a vehicle arrived at the house of Bryan Marcos and was caught in the act loading garbage bag and sacks with the butt of the firearms visibly protruding. When the operatives were about to accost Tanghal, he sped off but was immediately intercepted and arrested.
“The NCRPO’s campaign against loose firearms is a continuing effort and there will be no let-up to weed out these contrabands and illegal firearms that seriously affects the current peace and order of the country, notwithstanding the current implementation of the election ban until November 29, 2023. I also solicit the cooperation of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report information or transactions about illegal firearms to the authorities for immediate action”, PMGEN NARTATEZ said.
Meanwhile, the suspect is currently under the custody of operating units while complaints for violation of R.A. 10591 otherwise known as the Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunitions and Violation of B.P.881 or The Omnibus Election Code are being prepared.
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