Tondo barangay chairman nabbed for gunrunning

MANILA, Philippines - Police arrested Friday in an entrapment operation a 70-year-old barangay chairman for alleged gunrunning.

Albino Gulfan, chairman of Barangay 42, Zone 3 in Tondo, Manila, reportedly tried to sell three .38 caliber revolvers to an undercover policeman at his house on Masinop street, Tondo, according to Superintendent Ernesto Fojas Jr., intelligence chief of the Manila Police District.

Prior to the arrest, Chief Inspector Fernando Opelanio, who heads the District Police Intelligence Operations Unit (DPIOU), received a tip from an informant that Gulfan is reportedly engaged in the selling of hand guns.

Opelanio immediately formed a team of operatives, with PO2 Michael Yumang designated as the poseur buyer. Marked money worth P10,000 was also prepared for the buy-bust operation.     

In front of his house, Gulfan transacted a deal with the poseur buyer for the purchase of three pieces .38 caliber. When Gulfan received the marked money, DPIOU police officers posted nearby arrested him.

Fojas said Gulfan is being interrogated on the source of his guns.

MPD officer-in-charge Chief Superintendent Roberto Rongavilla, upon the instructions of Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim, has directed his men to intensify the drive against loose firearms in preparation for the upcoming barangay elections.

Gulfan is facing charges of illegal selling and possession of firearms, according to Opelanio.