LAOAG CITY, Philippines – Charges of illegal possession of firearms and violation of the election gun ban have been filed against four Chinese nationals and their driver who were caught carrying high-powered firearms, grenades and a explosive at a police checkpoint in Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte the other day.
Charged at the provincial prosecutor’s office were Dang Hoi Yin, Lui Xin, Lei Guang Fein, and Leng Hai Jun, and the group’s driver, Dennis Co.
The Chinese, through an interpreter, said they had nothing to do with the firearms and other deadly weapons found in their possession.
“They are saying they don’t own the firearms and other weapons taken from their car,†the interpreter said.
Superintendent Jeffrey Gorospe, Ilocos Norte police spokesman, said the Chinese yielded three MP5 submachineguns, a Pietro Beretta pistol, a 40-caliber rifle, two .45-caliber pistols, a 9-mm Glock pistol, eight grenades, and an improvised explosive.
Other reports said their car also yielded hundreds of bullets and four silencers for different types of guns.
The Chinese reportedly figured in a commotion in Barangay Nagsanga, Pasuquin town where they allegedly broke beer bottles. When responding policemen arrived, they sped away, triggering a car chase that ended at the checkpoint.
Local immigration officers said they are studying other charges as the Chinese were found to have no visas and other travel documents. – Teddy Molina, Charlie Lagasca