PIB nabs trader for selling ammo

CEBU, Philippines -  A local trader was arrested by the Provincial Intelligence Branch in a buy-bust operation for allegedly selling assorted firearm ammunition worth P27,000 midday last Tuesday in Barangay Poblacion, Argao.

Operatives said Arturo Lim Sisaldo failed to show proper documents for his ammunition business which resulted to his arrest.

Recovered were 139 bullets for .45 pistols, 102 bullets for .357 revolvers, 53 bullets for 12 gauge shotguns, 208 bullets for .38 pistols, 38 bullets for  .22 magnums, and 242 bullets for .22 long rifles (LR) placed in a box of Arms Corporation of the Philippines (ARMSCOR).

Information of Sisaldo’s illegal business came after the arrest of Michael Villamora, who held hostage his wife, Jinky Villamora, last December in Barangay Lapay.

PO3 Reynaldo Solante, team leader, said full metal jacket ammunition of .45 pistols recovered from Villamora triggered their investigation as to where those came from.

“Ang bala brand new unya dili siya ingon nga pangpusil-pusil lang, pang-combat gyud nakapangutana mi ug asa niya gikan. (The ammunition was brand new and not just for firing but for combat making us wonder where it was from.)” Solante said in a phone interview.

Villamora disclosed the place but not the seller which started the surveillance of the operatives.

The operatives were able to buy 15 bullets of .45 pistol worth P480 and 15 others for .357 revolvers worth P495 from Sisaldo.

“Walay naka-display pero ug mupalit ka hatagan gyud ka walay pangutana ug para asa or licensed ba ang armas. (There is no display but if you buy they don’t ask questions where it will be used or if the firearm is licensed.)” Solante said.

When investigated at the ARMSCOR, Solante said personnel denied selling ammunition to Sisaldo and that they always look for proper documents during purchase.

“Ingon sila ilang suplayan kana ra gyung designated dealer ug dili by individual, (They said they only supply designated dealers and not individuals.)” Solante said.

A case for RA 8294 or illegal possession of firearms and ammunition was filed yesterday against Sisaldo at the Cebu Provincial Prosecutor’s Office. — (FREEMAN)