3 gun makers elude cops

CEBU, Philippines — An open shanty where illegal guns were manufactured in Barangay Corte, Carmen, was raided by joint operatives of the Carmen Police Station and 703rd Maneuver Company, Regional Mobile Force Battalion 7, last Monday afternoon.

The alleged owner of the shanty, Luduvino Lumen, and his sons Ranilo and Noel, escaped before the authorities could arrest them.

Chief Inspector Christian Torres, Carmen Police Station chief, said they recovered several unfinished gun blanks, assorted magazines, barrels, assorted gun manufacturing tools, and a .22 cal. rifle.

“Dali kaayo nga nakabantay sa operatiba ang mga suspects. Dali kaayo nga nakadagan,” said Torres.

Torres added that the operation conducted was a follow-up to a previous operation conducted in the area where they arrested a certain Jestoni Peñas.

Several finished guns and unfinished gun blanks of assorted caliber were recovered from Peñas.

During the arrest of Peñas the operatives also discovered other makeshift shanties in the area also being used also to manufacture firearms.

Torres said that despite their strong plea to the barangay officials to provide alternative livelihood so their residents will stop manufacturing guns, the operation still continues. Allegedly, the said gun making operation in the area has been active for more than two decades.

He added that the barangay officials have been tolerating gun manufacturing in the area despite knowing that it is illegal.

“Gihatagan na namo og last warning ang mga barangay officials. Og dili mahunong na diha kay daghan pa man g’yud amo na himuan og report para makasuhan sa DILG,” Torres said.

“Bisag dili siya illegal drugs pero still, illegal gihapon mao’ng dili g’yud dapat i-tolerate,” he added.

Charges for violation of Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulations Act are being prepared for the suspects who are still at large. (FREEMAN)