Fake guns, equipment seized in Danao bust

CEBU, Philippines - Operatives of the Provincial Intelligence Branch seized fake firearms and equipment in manufacturing guns during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Poblacion, Danao City last Monday afternoon.

Authorities recovered two shotguns, three caliber 22 unassembled derringer revolvers, two replicas of an M16 rifle, a lathe machine with lathe check, tool post and tail stock, a bench drill, compressor, motor grinder, marker machine, two vice machines, and several pieces of shotgun barrels and magazines. The seized items and equipment are estimated to worth up to P700,000.

The operation led by Sr. Insp. Leo Logroño also led to the arrest of Ananias Giangan, 72, and his son, Rholan, 25, who are said to be known makers of fake guns in the city. The two did not resist arrest.

PIB chief Supt. Rodolfo Albotra Jr. said surveillance was conducted prior to the operation to confirm the activities of the suspects.

Last Monday, a poseur buyer successfully transacted with Ananias around 3 p.m. right outside the suspects’ house in Barangay Poblacion. Members of the team swooped in right after Ananias handed over a barrel of a shotgun to the poseur buyer in exchange of P500. Rholan who was making shotgun barrels at that time was also arrested.

Albotra said the suspects have been in the business for at least seven years.

“Manghimuay ni sila ug armas pero shotgun ilang specialty kumbaga ba kay sila ra may muhimo ana diha (They’ve been making manufacturing firearms and specialized in shotguns. It seemed they were the only ones capable of manufacturing the guns),” Albotra said in a phone interview.

He said further that it was the first time the father and son were arrested. “First time ni sila na-arrested and so far wala nay laing kaso nga involved sila kini lang gun-making (This is their first arrest and they are not involved in any other case),” Albotra said.

The suspects reportedly knew ever since that they were engaged in something illegal, but they reportedly did not have other means of livelihood. They reportedly sold each shotgun for at least P6,000 and up to P7,000.

They are temporarily detained at the Danao Police Station pending the filing charges against them for violating Republic Act 8294, the law the codified the laws on illegal or unlawful acquisition or disposition of firearms, ammunition or explosives or instruments used in the manufacture of firearms, ammunition or explosives. – (FREEMAN)