Three ‘gun smugglers’ nabbed

CEBU, Philippines — Three suspected gun smugglers from Danao City were arrested Saturday afternoon at the port in Barangay San Sebastian, Samboan, Cebu resulting in the confiscation of 46 unregistered firearms about to be shipped to Dipolog City.

The suspects were identified as Evelino Cubol, 36, his wife, Floramae, 37, and Maria Bella Manit, 54, all  residents of Barangay Suba, Danao City.

Samboan Police Station chief Insp. Mikael Mallorca said the suspects were about to board a vessel bound for Dipolog City when the Philippine Coast Guard personnel, through the help of the K-9 dog, noticed something suspicious in their backpacks.

The suspects were invited to the police station for questioning as well as inspection of their bags.

“Luckily ang expertise sa K-9 dog kay naa sa firearms and ammunition maong nabantayan dayon,” said Mallorca.

Upon checking their backpacks, the police found 43 units of caliber .45 pistol and another 43 units of magazine. The contrabands were wrapped in masking tape. There were also three additional guns found from each of the suspects.

“Duha ni ka backpack ang gisudlan unya ang ibabaw kay gipaibabawan og mga bra ug mga undergarments para siguro dili na hilingon sa security,” Mallorca said.

Mallorca said the three suspects denied owning the unregistered guns. They claimed that they were just told to bring the bags to Dipolog City.

“Gi-pick-up ra daw nila ‘nya matod pa ila ra usab i-drop didto sa Dipolog City og aduna na’y mukuha ngadto,” Mallorca said.

He said they are now conducting investigation to identify the supplier of the illegal guns from Danao City and the buyer in Dipolog. Mallorca described the firearms seized from the suspects to be of good quality.

Cebu Provincial Police Office director Sr. Supt. Manuel Abrugena said the seizure of the smuggled guns is a testament that the police are relentless in the campaign against all forms of illegal activities.

“This is a perfect demonstration of a well-coordinated operation, timely information and professional cooperation among the agencies concerned. The successful seizure of the unauthorized possession and transport of these firearms exhibits of your government’s commitment not only to the drug war but also against all forms of crime and its entirety,” Abrugena said. (FREEMAN)