Pampanga: An active member of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) was arrested for selling loose firearms in San Simon, Pampanga, the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) reported on Sunday.
According to Philippines News Agency, the Pampanga Provincial Field Unit, together with the San Simon Municipal Police Station, conducted the buy-bust against loose firearms in Barangay San Isidro on September 10. The suspect, identified as alias 'Ray,' is assigned at a Coast Guard Station (CGS) in Manila. He was caught in the act of delivering and trading a 5.56 caliber rifle. Also seized during the operation was a 9mm pistol.
CIDG acting chief Maj. Gen. Robert Alexander Morico II stated that the modus operandi of the suspect involved trading alleged loose firearms through online platforms. The suspect was charged before the National Prosecution Service for violating Section 32 (Unlawful Manufacture, Importation, Sale or Disposition of Firearms) of Republic Act No. 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act) in relation to Section 6 of Republic Act No. 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act) for trading loose firearms through an online platform.
In a separate statement, Coast Guard Commandant, Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, condemned the illegal act, emphasizing that they have zero tolerance for such behavior within their ranks. He directed the CGS Manila to fully cooperate with the ongoing criminal investigation. Should the suspect be found guilty, he shall be dishonorably discharged from the Coast Guard service, Gavan stated.