Two suspected gunrunners were arrested, and four firearms were seized during an entrapment operation in Marawi City on Tuesday afternoon, according to police reports on Wednesday.
Col. Caezar Cabuhat, the Lanao del Sur police provincial director, identified the arrested suspects as Alino Maamor Topaan, 47, and Sadam Sarip Baguan, 38, both residents of Marawi City. They are known dealers of unlicensed firearms.
The operation resulted in the seizure of two M14 rifles and two M16 rifles, along with ammunition. Authorities also recovered the marked money used in the buy-bust operation, a vehicle, and various identification cards.
Cabuhat stated that an undercover agent acted as a buyer, with the handover and payment occurring in Marawi City.
“I commend the Marawi City police for their tireless efforts in encouraging wanted individuals to surrender peacefully and enforcing the law against those who refuse to cooperate,” Cabuhat remarked, adding that police teams, supported by Army personnel, are continuing their search for the suspects’ cohorts.