A 26-year-old man was arrested during an entrapment operation conducted by the District Special Operations Unit (DSOU) of the Southern Police District (SPD) on the afternoon of Wednesday, March 26, in Baclaran, Parañaque City. The suspect was caught in possession of two firearms and suspected shabu.
According to Police Captain Paul John Mencio Jr., assistant chief of the DSOU, the arrest was the result of a series of follow-up investigations linked to the illegal sale of firearms.
“We launched the entrapment operation after our informant confirmed that this individual had been involved in selling loose firearms and had previously transacted with suspects we had arrested in past operations,” said PCapt. Mencio.
Recovered from the suspect were a loaded .38 caliber pistol, a .22 caliber revolver, and two additional .38 caliber live bullets. Upon frisking, authorities also found three plastic sachets containing a substance suspected to be shabu, weighing around 30 grams with an estimated street value of ₱204,000.
PCapt. Mencio said the suspect admitted ownership of the seized items.
“Based on our investigation and his interview, he admitted doing this as a means of livelihood. He carried a firearm for self-protection,” he added.
The suspect is currently in the custody of the SPD’s Special Operations Unit and will face multiple charges: violation of RA 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act) for illegal firearm sales, COMELEC Resolution No. 11067 for violating the election gun ban, and Section 11, Article II of RA 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002).
The Philippine National Police reminds the public that carrying firearms without proper documentation and COMELEC authorization is strictly prohibited.
PCapt. Mencio also issued a warning to those involved in illegal drug trade:
“Let’s stop this. There are many other legal and honorable ways to earn a living.”
