By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan
MANILA – An active member of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) was arrested for selling loose firearms in San Simon, Pampanga, the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) reported on Sunday.
The Pampanga Provincial Field Unit, together with the San Simon Municipal Police Station, conducted the buy-bust gainst loose firearms in Barangay San Isidro on Sept. 10, according to a news release.
The suspect, identified as alias “Ray,” is assigned at a Coast Guard Station (CGS) in Manila. He was caught in the act of delivering and trading a 5.56 caliber rifle. Also seized during the operation was a 9mm pistol.
“The modus operandi of the suspect is trading alleged loose firearms through online platforms,” CIDG acting chief Maj. Gen. Robert Alexander Morico II said.
The suspect was charged before the National Prosecution Service for violating Section 32 (Unlawful Manufacture, Importation, Sale or Disposition of Firearms) of Republic Act No. 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act) in relation to Section 6 of Republic Act No. 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act) for trading loose firearms through online platform.
In a separate statement, Coast Guard Commandant, Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, condemned the illegal act, saying they have zero tolerance for such behavior within their ranks.
“I have directed the CGS Manila to fully cooperate with the ongoing criminal investigation,” he said.
Should the suspect be found guilty, he shall be dishonorably discharged from the Coast Guard service, Gavan said. (PNA)
