Grandpa arrested with high-powered firearms

CEBU, Philippines - A gun-running grandfather was caught bringing 14 high-powered firearms placed inside two bags as he was about to board a ship bound for Cagayan de Oro City at around 8 p.m on Thursday.

Joel Hermoso, 42, of Lapu Lapu Suba, Danao City was apprehended by operatives of the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) at Pier 5 as he was about to board the ship while bringing two heavy-looking bags where the high-powered firearms were placed.   

 “Kadudahan kaayo ang iyang lihok mao nga nagduda atong mga operative nga dala na gyud niya ang mga armas,” CCPO director Melvin Ramon Buenafe said.   The police immediately checked the two bags where they recovered 9 caliber 45 pistols, 3 Black widow and 2 KG-9 with silencers together with several empty magazines.    

Buenafe said that Hermoso was placed under surveillance for almost a month until he was finally apprehended with his contraband.

“Amo ni gitiman-an sa among mga operative ug karon nadakpan gyud siya,” Buenafe said. 

After successfully evading inspections at the port, the police discovered that the suspect has an accomplice, a porter who assisted him.

“Naa ni siyay kasabwat na porter sa pier mao nga wala nasakpan ang mga pusil,” Buenafe said.

In an interview, Hermoso told The FREEMAN he has been a gun runner almost all of his life, saying it’s the only way he knows to support his family.

“Dugay na kaayo ko ani, kay mao raman ni akong namat-an nga trabaho,” he said.  

Hermoso who has 5 grand children said he has a contact, whose identity he would not reveal, who requested for the guns which he managed to gather in Danao City within 2 months.

“Nangumpra ra ko sir sa Danao. Mo-abot og mga duha ka buwan una nako nakompleto ang gi-request sa contact nako sa Cagayan,” he said.

In order to produce his clients’ request, he first receives half of the total amount through wired money transfer, while the other half will be given to him personally in Cagayan.

He however clarified that he only served as gun runner and not as a manufacturer, adding that he is only paid P500 per delivery. He has delivered guns to Cagayan thrice (FREEMAN)