P1M gun parts, machines seized

CEBU, Philippines - Operatives of the Regional Special Operations Group (RSOG) 7 arrested an alleged illegal gun manufacturer and seized over P1 million worth of manufacturing equipment during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Suba, Danao City last Sunday.

The suspect was identified as Manuel Tuñacao, who reportedly failed to present documents certifying the legality of his gun-manufacturing business.

During the operation at 11 a.m. on Sunday, the poseur buyers from RSOG 7 were able to enter a room where the transaction was consummated through the suspect’s invitation.

The operation resulted in the successful purchase of 10 pieces of caliber .38 cylinders and 10 pieces barrels of .45 caliber amounting to P2,000. The poseur-buyers showed the pre-arranged signal for the backup team leading to the eventual arrest of Tuñacao.

The operatives, led by Insp. Romeo Sentinta, Jr., confiscated the gun manufacturing machine and gun parts which were seen in the room using the plain view doctrine.

Among the items seized include lathe machines, hydraulic presser, metal grinder, electric welding machine, cross vise, bench drill, and two sacks of assorted metal tools, and 36 cut metal for cal. 38 revolver cylinders.

Also recovered were 104 pieces of barrel for a caliber .38 revolver, 34 barrels of caliber .45 pistol, four cylinders for cal. 38 revolver, and 50 cut metal for a cal. 45 pistol barrel.

Firearms and Explosives Section chief Rex Derilo said the machine and the gun parts seized amounted to over P1 million.

The suspect was already released from detention after having posted bail for his temporary liberty.

Derilo said the suspect applied for license at FES late last year but did not anymore pursue.

“Giingnan bitaw siya na ayaw usa pagnegosyo ana kung di pa ka matagaan og lisensya. Wa na man ningbalik sa opisina, gikapoy na siguro, unya nagpadayon gyud diay sa iyang negosyo. (He was told not to start his business without securing the license first),” said Derilo.

Chief Supt. Generoso Cerbo, Deputy Regional Director for Administration, said that operation would lessen the proliferation of potential loose firearms in Cebu.

About 100 guns could have been manufactured from the seized gun parts, said Cerbo.

“Na-prevent ang possible crime with this accomplishment,” he said. — (FREEMAN)