Ex-Marine nabbed for illegal firearms

MANILA, Philippines - A former member of the Philippine Marines, mistaken for a wanted man, got into trouble after he was found carrying unlicensed high-powered firearms in Mandaluyong City Monday.

Senior Superintendent Ronald Estilles of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) identified the suspect as Lyndon Mortiga, 45.

Estilles said they received information about the presence of a person wanted for frustrated murder. When Mortiga was accosted, Estilles said the wanted man was his cousin.

“During interrogation, my men saw the firearms, prompting the arrest,” he said. CIDG agents seized a .30 US M1 carbine as well as two magazines and 30 rounds for the carbine; and a .45 caliber pistol and two magazines loaded with 20 bullets. – Cecille Suerte Felipe, Non Alquitran