Gun parts, ammunition allegedly used by NPA recovered

MANILA, Philippines — Amid reports of an alleged plot to oust President Duterte called “Red October,” the Bureau of Customs (BOC) recently recovered P5.5 million worth of ammunition and gun parts that allegedly match the firearms used by the communist New People’s Army (NPA).

Customs Commissioner Isidro Lapeña yesterday presented the various firearms that are reportedly similar to the kind used by the NPA.

Lapeña admitted that they are looking into the rumored insurgent-hatched Red October plot meant to bring down the Duterte administration.

He said they are investigating if the plot is connected with the illegal importation of ammunition and gun parts.

Among those found during the raid in Sta. Maria, Zambales were bullets for AK-47 assault rifle, M-16 rifle, Glock pistol and .45 caliber pistol, including three canisters of 640 rounds for AK-47 rifles, gun parts and gun accessories as well as canteens or water bottles.

He said that the NPA uses AK-47 assault rifles and M-16 rifles. The ammunition including the magazines would also fit the firearms of the rebels.

BOC Enforcement and Security Service (ESS) director Yogi Felimon Ruiz said they have in their custody Hilario Vicencio, 54, of 64 Osmeña Street, San Isidro, San Marcelino, Zambales; and Jun Navarro, 69, of 103 Resurrection Street, Sta. Maria, Castillejos, Zambales who reportedly received the six balikbayan boxes – three small and three big boxes – that contained the contraband.  

The consignee Gregorio dela Cruz, of 64 San Isidro Street, San Isidro, San Marcelino, Zambales remains at large. 

The alleged smuggled goods were reportedly sent by Anselmo dela Cruz from San Jose, California.

The BOC said that since five months ago they received information that packages allegedly containing gun parts and ammunition were expected to arrive in the country. The contraband reportedly arrived at the Central Mail Exchange Center in Pasay City.

The boxes were reportedly declared to contain coffee and canned goods.

The ESS then arranged a controlled delivery and with the help of the forwarder, the balikbayan boxes were delivered to a certain Gregorio dela Cruz, c/o Lario Vicencio of San Isidro Street, San Marcelino Zambales.

Vicencio and Navarro were taken into custody last Sept. 21.