By Connie Calipay

ARRESTED. Police conduct an inventory of several unregistered firearm components after two suspected “gunrunners” were nabbed in Barangay Tabugon, Sta. Elena, Camarines Norte on Wednesday (Oct. 8, 2025). Confiscated were an upper receiver, a lower receiver, and a barrel of an M16A1 rifle, a 9mm pistol without a serial number, a magazine without ammunition, and a large quantity of front sights for M16 rifles. (Photos courtesy of PRO-5)

LEGAZPI CITY – Two suspected gun runners were arrested for possession of unregistered firearm parts on Wednesday in Sta. Elena, Camarines Norte, the Police Regional Office in Bicol (PRO-5) reported Thursday.

PRO-5 Director Brig. Gen. Nestor Babagay Jr. identified the two suspects as alias Sau and alias Nor, who are facing charges for violation of Republic Act No. 10591, also known as the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.

“This operation once again proves the effectiveness of our intelligence-driven approach and the importance of teamwork among police units. By intercepting these gun runners and preventing the movement of unregistered firearms, we are directly disrupting criminal activities before they can happen,” Babagay said.

The suspects were aboard a white Mitsubishi Strada allegedly transporting firearm parts, — an upper receiver, a lower receiver, and a barrel of an M16A1 rifle, a 9mm pistol without a serial number, a magazine without ammunition, and a large quantity of front sights for M16 rifles — from Manila bound for Maguindanao.

The suspects, believed to be engaged in gun-running activities, were reportedly set to take the route via the Sorsogon Port when nabbed along the national highway in Barangay Tabugon. (PNA)