CIDG Arrests Two in Anti-Gunrunning Operation in Pampanga

Angeles City – In a bid to curb the proliferation of loose firearms, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) apprehended two individuals in Pampanga for attempting to sell firearms illegally. The arrests occurred on Saturday in Barangay Pulung Maragul, Angeles City, during a sting operation involving a police poseur buyer.

According to Philippines News Agency, Gen. Leo Francisco, the suspects, known by the aliases ‘May’, aged 41, and ‘Jay’, aged 33, were caught red-handed. Francisco commended the operatives for their successful execution of the operation. Legal proceedings are underway, with charges to be filed against the duo at the Angeles City Prosecutors Office.

The operation in Pampanga coincides with other significant law enforcement activities. In Northern Samar, the Special Action Force and CIDG captured Jose Marion, identified as one of the province’s top ten most wanted individuals, for a murder dating back to 2018.

Further bolstering security, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil has directed an increase in police visibility following recent shooting incidents in Quezon City and Makati. PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo stated that approximately 600 personnel from administrative roles at Camp Crame are being redeployed to patrol duties in the National Capital Region. This measure aims to enhance the presence of law enforcement on the streets, supported by motorcycle-riding officers monitoring major thoroughfares.

The intensified police efforts follow the violent events of last month, where Mercedita Gutierrez of the Land Transportation Office was fatally shot in Quezon City, and a road rage incident in Makati resulted in the death of a 65-year-old family driver. Both suspects involved in these cases have been arrested and face criminal charges.