Briton, driver held over illegal guns, weapons

MANILA, Philippines — A British man and his driver were arrested by Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) operatives for illegal possession of firearms in an exclusive subdivision Pasig City on Thursday.

Matthew George Marney, 38, and his Filipino driver, Rommel Catilo, 45, were arrested during a raid on Marney’s house in Valle Verde 5  at around noon.

Police seized five .45 caliber pistols, 11 magazines,  25 bullets, 14 bladed weapons, five brass knuckles, a stun gun and other items.

Superintendent Roque Merdegia, who heads the CIDG’s Anti-Transnational Crime Unit, said the raid was in response to  a tip from an informant about the presence of armed men in the posh subdivision.

Marney has been in the country for about a year and living with his Filipina girlfriend, who owns a marketing business.

Merdegia said they will coordinate with the British Embassy to obtain more information on Marney, who refused to answer questions from members of media.