Former Village Official and Two Others Arrested in Cotabato City for Gunrunning

Cotabato City, Philippines – A former village councilor and two others were arrested in Cotabato City for illegal possession of firearms during a police entrapment operation on Monday afternoon.

According to Philippines News Agency, Former Barangay Rosary Heights 7 councilor Okan Salik was apprehended following an undercover operation near the village hall around 3 p.m. Salik’s arrest was part of an entrapment by operatives, including Alrajem Sansaluna from Koronadal City, South Cotabato, and Alinor Silongan from Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte, as reported by Lt. Col. Ariel Huesca, chief of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (CIDG-BARMM).

The suspects were found in possession of a 5.56 mm rifle, two .45-caliber pistols, ammunition, magazines, mobile phones, a vehicle, and PHP200,000 in marked money. Salik denied any personal connection with Sansaluna and Silongan, as well as involvement in gunrunning activities. A 5.56mm rifle was also found in Salik’s car, which he claimed was for self-defense following a previous gun attack.

The suspects are currently detained at the CIDG-BARMM facility and are facing charges for violating the Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.