Leader of gunrunning reservists, ex-soldiers falls

MANILA, Philippines —  A 51-year-old man suspected of leading a gunrunning syndicate composed of reservists and former soldiers was arrested in Muntinlupa on Tuesday.

The Southern Police District said the Sgt. Ivan Group – named after its alleged leader, identified only by his first name in the SPD report – operated in southern Metro Manila.

Ivan was arrested during a sting in front of a mall in Barangay Alabang at around 8 a.m.

The SPD said it recovered a .45-caliber pistol, a shotgun and a US carbine as well as several rounds of ammunition from the suspect.

Another member of the group, identified only as Daryl, 40, was arrested in another sting in Sampaloc, Manila on the same day.

Police seized from Daryl another .45-caliber pistol.

The alleged involvement of a 41-year-old motorist is also under investigation.

The three suspects, who are under police custody, face charges relating to the illegal sale of firearms and ammunition.