Ex-soldier, 3 others nabbed for illegal gun sale

MANILA, Philippines — Four people, including a former soldier, were arrested by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Wednesday for allegedly selling high-powered firearms and ammunition in Parañaque City.

NBI Director Jaime Santiago identified those arrested as Jerome Nuyque, Maximo Ayawon, Michael Douglas Loleng and Nilo Barnacha.

Santiago said the NBI-National Capital Region operation targeted a gun trafficking group in Metro Manila and nearby provinces, in violation of Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.

He said the four yielded two 5.56mm rifles, which were offered for P290,000, a caliber .45 pistol, a 6.35mm pistol and several bullets and ammunition magazines.

Santiago said in a press conference yesterday that the firearms were sold to a Chinese client affiliated with a Philippine offshore gaming operator or POGO.