Cache of guns, ammo seized by NBI agents in Manila, Batangas

Agents of the National Bureau of Investigation arrested two men for illegal possession of high-powered firearms and ammunition in separate operations in Manila and Batangas Monday.

Arrested by agents of the NBI-Special Action Unit (SAU) were Leonardo Chuidian, 54, barangay captain of Barangay Catandaan, Nasugbu, Batangas; and Edilberto Naelgas, 53, a movie special effects technician, of 117 Loreto St., Sampaloc, Manila.

According to Edmund Arugay, NBI-SAU chief, they received information that Chuidian was in possession of several high-powered firearms in his residence in Batangas.

Armed with the information, SAU agents supported by agents from the NBI Batangas Regional Office raided the suspect’s house and seized a carbine rifle, a caliber .32 revolver, a caliber .357 revolver, two shotguns, a 9mm pistol and several rounds of ammunition. According to the NBI, Chuidian was the alleged supplier of guns to members of robbery gangs operating in Batangas.

Later in the day, SAU agents swooped on the house of Naelgas in Sampaloc and seized two 9mm pistols, a caliber .32 revolver, a caliber 357 revolver, four barrels of caliber .45 pistols, a box of smoke grenades, assorted ammunition, silencers and various magazines.

Naelgas, who also works as an "armorer" for Regal Films, told NBI agents that the guns were the property of the film production outfit and were being used for movie shootings.

"The issue here is not whether the guns were his or not. The guns were seized from him and he did not have the needed papers to show that these were all licensed and were being used for movie shootings," Arugay said.

Charges of illegal possession of firearms, explosives and ammunition have been filed against the suspects by the NBI. Bail for their temporary liberty have been set by the courts at P200,000 for Naelgas and P100,000 for Chuidian.