MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine National Police announced on Thursday that it has arrested 25 suspected members of private armed groups during a 15-day operation all over the country.
PNP-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group also said that it has seized a total of 33 firearms, including 25 high powered weapons, and ammunition from September 1 to September 15.
The CIDG also noted that one of its operations resulted in the arrest of a suspected member of a gun-running syndicate in Davao City.
Police said operatives nabbed Henry Ponce, 35, of Calubijan, Matina last Sept. 9 around 5:30 p.m. inside at the NCCC Mall parking area in Ma-a, Davao City.
Ponce, allegedly believed to be a member of the Nacher Group, was caught during a sting operation after an agent posed as a gun buyer transacted with him.
Authorities confiscated from Ponce four cal. 45 pistols,the marked money, four empty cal. 45 magazines and a black backpack.
The CIDG said that most of the operations conducted were armed with search warrants issued by the courts.