Ranger nabbed for ‘smuggling’ guns

CEBU, Philippines - A scout ranger assigned at the 4th Scout Ranger Battalion in Surigao del Sur was arrested by Samboan police Monday evening for trying to smuggle several unlicensed firearms.

Sgt. Charlito Cordivilla James, 33, of Dumanjug town, was held for illegal possession of five KG9 pistols with silencer, two .45 caliber pistols, and seven .22 magnum revolvers.

James introduced himself as member of the Armed Forces of the Philippines when a security guard asked him to open his bag for inspection.

Police Officer 3 Janrey Roda, desk officer of Samboan Police Station, said the suspect was about to board a Dapitan-bound vessel when accosted by the security guard for bringing several firearms.

The guard immediately alerted the Philippine Coast Guard and the town police resulting in the arrest of James.

"Nakuratan intawon ang guwardiya pagtan-aw nila sa bag, daghan man gud ang armas, wala pod siya'y papeles," Roda said.

     Roda said James admitted during interrogation that he was on leave and was asked by his colleagues to bring firearms from Cebu when he reports for duty.

Roda said they have already notified James' commanding officer about his arrest.

The Samboan police are now investigating if this is the first time that the suspect has attempted to slip firearms to Dapitan by ship. The confiscated firearms were allegedly bought from Danao City.

The suspect will face criminal complaints for violation of the comprehensive law on weapons and ammunitions.— (FREEMAN)