‘Gunrunner’ nabbed in police entrapment

By Jennifer P. Rendon

A 50-year-old man was arrested in a police entrapment operation in Arevalo, Iloilo City, on the evening of Nov. 24.

Police identified the suspect as alias Donnie, a resident of Project 6, Barangay So-oc, Arevalo, who allegedly sold a homemade handgun for PHP 3,500.

Members of the Iloilo City Police Office–City Intelligence Unit (ICPO-CIU) confiscated a homemade caliber 5.56 revolver with two rounds of ammunition from the suspect.

Major Shella Mae Sangrines, ICPO spokesperson, said the operation was launched after the CIU received information that Donnie was engaged in selling unlicensed firearms.

Police reports indicated that the suspect had been linked to several theft incidents in Iloilo City.

Reports also alleged that he was armed while carrying out his illegal activities.

Police said Donnie had previously been detained for theft and robbery complaints.

Investigators noted, however, that the complainants did not pursue charges against him.

Sangrines said they are still determining where the suspect sourced the homemade firearms.

Donnie is now detained and will be charged with violating Republic Act 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.