Arms cache, marijuana seized in Bulacan raid

MANILA, Philippines — An alleged supplier of guns and ammunition to private armed groups was arrested in Malolos, Bulacan on Thursday.

Jason King, 46, was apprehended by agents of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group after a raid on his residence in Barangay Longos yielded an arms cache and 11 kilos of marijuana worth P2.2 million, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar told reporters yesterday.

Eleazar said the raid was based on a search warrant issued by Malolos Municipal Circuit Trial Court Branch 1 Judge Nemesio Manlangit.

Eleazar said the operation stemmed from information that King is the leader of a gang involved in illegal drugs and gunrunning.

“Puwedeng gamitin ‘yung mga baril sa pag-arm ng mga individuals at groups na puwedeng gamitin this coming election,” he said.

The seized firearms consisted of an M16 rifle, two .22-caliber rifles, a 9mm submachine gun, a shotgun, a caliber. 45 pistol and eight other guns of various calibers as well as assorted magazines with ammunition.

Except for the .45-caliber pistol, all the confiscated firearms have licenses.

Eleazar said King still violated laws as his guns should have been stored in Valenzuela City, which is the registered address in his licenses to own and possess firearms.

“You cannot transfer that unless you get authorization or permit to transfer these firearms,” Eleazar said.

Records show that King and his brother Bryan were arrested in a drug bust in Quezon City in June 2019. High-grade marijuana worth P168,000 was reportedly recovered from the suspects.

Eleazar said the case filed against the suspects was dismissed by a court in Quezon City.