CIDG nabs illegal gun distributor in Danao

CEBU, Philippines - An illegal gun distributor was arrested by elements of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Central Visayas in a raid in Danao City last Friday.

Marcelo “Marsing “ Durano, a known local manufacturer, was arrested by the police inside his house at Durano Street, Barangay Tupas, Danao City.

Chief Inspectors Fermin Armendarez and German Mallari, who both headed the operation, made the arrest through a search warrant issued by Mandue City Regional Trial Court Judge Marilyn Lgura-Yap.

Police investigation revealed that Durano is the leader of an illegal distribution group.

When the CIDG-7 team swooped on Durano’s residence, they seized three KG9 machine pistols, two Ingram machine pistols, three .45 pistols, a .9mm pistol, a shotgun and several live ammunition and magazines.

Inspector Delfin Bontuyan, one of operatives who raided the suspect’s residence, said they placed Durano under surveillance for over two weeks before the court released a search warrant against him.

He believes that Durano has more cohorts who are involved in the unlicensed firearms business and are still active in Danao City. 

He said Durano served as stockholder of finished firearms which they sell mostly in the Visayas and Mindanao areas.

Durano is currently detained at the CIDG-7 stockade while charges are being prepared against him for violating provisions of the Firearms Law.

Sr. Supt. Jose Pante, CIDG-7 director, said that right after he received reports about Durano’s illegal activity, he immediately ordered for a thorough surveillance.

Though they have conducted several raids in Danao City in the past, Pante is very certain that there are many who are still engaged in such illegal activity because of the fairly good profit.

Because of CIDG-7’s efforts in 2011 against loose firearms throughout CV, CIDG-7 was chosen as the best regional office nationwide.    - (THE FREEMAN)