Loose firearms seized in Polomolok

MANILA, Philippines -  Several loose firearms and rounds of ammunition were seized in the house of a suspected gun-for-hire in Polomolok, South Cotabato last Saturday. 

Capt. Eliezer Bejarin, a civil-military operations officer based in South Cotabato, said Joint Task Force Gensan confiscated the firearms in Purok Manatad, Barangay Poblacion.

Bejarin said the firearms belong to a certain Francis Balanay Nadar, who was allegedly involved in gunrunning activities in the area.

The raiding team, composed of members of Joint Task Force Gensan and the local Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), served a search warrant issued by Judge Oscar Noel of Regional Trial Court Branch 35.

Recovered from Nadar’s house were a Colt 5.56mm M16 rifle; a Springfield machine pistol; a cal. 22 magnum revolver; three long magazine assembly for 5.56mm M16 rifle; four  short magazines assembly for 5.56mm M16 rifle; two twin circular magazine for 5.56mm M16 rifle; two short magazines assembly for cal. 9mm; three long magazine assembly for cal. 9mm; one aluminum silencer for 9mm machine pistol; 120 rounds of live ammunition for  5.56mm M16 rifle; and 75 rounds of live ammunition for caliber 9mm pistol.

“Also seen in his compound are luxury vehicles, including a two-door Mercedes Benz sports car, the latest Mitsubishi Pajero, Mitsubishi Lancer and Toyota Fortuner that raised more suspicions on his illegal activities,” Bejarin said.

The recovered loose firearms and ammunition are under the custody of CIDG SOCCSKSARGEN and will be used as evidence for the filing of charges against Nadar.  – Alexis Romero