NBI trying to locate stolen firearms

Agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) are now trying to locate more than 40 firearms stolen by a gang of robbers from a gun shop in Parañaque City last month, NBI Director Reynaldo Wycoco said yesterday.

Wycoco called on the public to turn over guns which were taken from Weapon System Corp. by members of the Gatilyo Gang last July 25.

The gang took some 50 of guns worth P1 million.

"We are calling the public to help us locate the stolen guns," Wycoco said. Anyone found in possession of the stolen items may be charged with illegal possession of firearms and violation of the anti-fencing law.

Four alleged members of the gang were arrested in a series of operations by NBI-National Capital Region (NCR) a month after the robbery, where gunsmith Rex Dorimon was shot dead.

Wycoco said only six of the 50 long and short firearms have been recovered from the arrested suspects by a team headed by NBI-NCR executive officer Roland Argabioso.

The four suspects tagged in the killing of Dorimon have indicated their intention to help the NBI agents in arresting two other suspects, who remain at large.

NBI agents said the arrested suspects Jose Armando Cachuela, 43; Benjamin Ibanez Jr., 25; Melvin Nabilgas, 34; and Zaldy Gabao, 39, are now cooperating with investigators to establish the whereabouts of Ariel Tibayan and Lito Dino. — Cecille Suerte Felipe