CIDG nabs suspected gunrunner in Quezon City

MANILA, Philippines - Police officers from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) arrested in Quezon City Friday night a suspected member of a gunrunning syndicate operating in Metro Manila.

The team, led by CIDG-National Capital Region (NCR) deputy chief, Supt. Jonnel Estomo arrested Mark Anthony de Guia, 24, of Saint Jude subdivision in Novaliches, after he received P25,000 in marked money from an undercover policeman who pretended to be a buyer.

Estomo said a 9mm Cobray Ingram machine pistol was seized from De Guia during the buy-bust at a fastfood restaurant along Zabarte Road.

According to Estomo, they were expecting De Guia to deliver 15 guns but he only brought one. He said they are still grilling De Guia, but noted they now have information that De Guia is involved in a large syndicate based in Metro Manila.

“We have been ordered to crack down on gunrunners, especially now that the elections are fast approaching. We are trying to prevent these illegal guns from reaching the hands of politicians and their supporters, especially those in the provinces,” Estomo said.

Estomo said De Guia was charged with gunrunning and violation of Presidential Decree 1866 (illegal possession of firearms). – Mike Frialde