The seizure of several firearms and ammunition in Northern Samar should serve as a warning against those planning to illegally transport firearms through ports in Eastern Visayas, the Police Regional Office 8 said.
AUTHORITIES have accidentally cracked a gun smuggling ring supplying weapons to terrorist groups in Mindanao after they intercepted four men carrying unlicensed high-powered firearms and ammunition at the port of Allen, Northern Samar on Wednesday (July 28).
Initial investigation disclosed that the firearms were allegedly intended for members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and local terrorist groups like Abu Sayyaf in Mindanao.
The suspects were identified as Daud Kumamang Ludungan, 43; Roger Daud Baguindali, 33; Wahid Esmael Yusop, 23; and Abdulgapor Buday Singh, 65, all residents of Maguindanao.
Seized from the suspects were 30 M-16 rifles, three .45 caliber pistols, and several magazines and ammunition.
The guns were hidden inside the tire compartment and side doors of the vehicles, according to authorities.
Police operatives and Philippine Coast Guard personnel flagged down the four suspects on board two vehicles around 1:40 p.m. at the town’s Baluarteco port.
The pier is part of the nautical highway that connects Eastern Visayas and Luzon.
Rentuaya said government forces received a report on Wednesday morning that two vehicles heading to Maguindanao from Taguig City loaded with firearms would pass by the Port of Allen.
The suspects failed to produce documents to prove that the cargoes are not loose firearms. The cars were heading to Datu Piang, Maguindanao from Taguig City.
“We commend our police in Northern Samar for enforcing the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunitions Regulatory Act. This is to show that the PNP is serious in running after gunrunners,” Col. Ma. Bella Rentuaya, PRO-8 spokesperson, said.
The four suspects are now detained at the Allen town police station and will be charged with illegal possession of firearms.
(JKA/With report from PNA)
Tags: #OpinYon8, #AllenNorthernSamar, #firearmssmuggling, #PhilippineNationalPolice