4 alleged gunrunners nabbed in Makati

MANILA, Philippines — Four suspected members of a gunrunning group operating in southern Metro Manila were arrested by operatives of the police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) over the weekend.

Col. Randy Glenn Silvio, chief of the CIDG National Capital Region field office, said three alleged members of the “Krisostomo” criminal ring were nabbed in Barangay Poblacion, Makati on Saturday.

Joseph Palarca, 37; Jethro dela Fuente, 32, and Emmanuel San Jose, 32, were collared in front of a hotel at the corner of Valdez and Salamanca streets.

Police operatives led by CIDG Southern District head Lt. Col. Mark Jason Gatdula negotiated a deal with the suspects who were reportedly in possession of firearms and ammunition.

The suspects were taken into custody after they accepted the marked money, police said.

The suspects yielded two 5.56mm rifles, a Glock 22 handgun, seven magazines for firearms and 55 rounds of ammunition.

Another suspect, Dominic Malate, 20, was arrested by CIDG agents led by Maj. Michael Nathaniel Visco in Barangay Guadalupe Viejo.

Malate allegedly yielded a 5.56mm rifle, four rounds of ammunition and 13 grams of shabu valued at P150,000.

The CIDG said the suspects were also allegedly involved in robbery and drug trafficking.

The suspects are being held on charges of violating the Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition.

A separate complaint for drug possession is being readied against Malate.