JOINT operatives arrested on Wednesday, July 28, 2021, four suspects and recovered 36 high-powered guns and ammunition purportedly for Mindanao-based terrorist groups while they were passing through Port Balhuartico in Barangay Look, Allen, Northern Samar.
Northern Samar Police Provincial Office (NSPPO), led by Colonel Arnel Apud, identified the suspects as Daud Kumamang Ludungan, 43, a resident of Barangay Madia, Salibo, Maguindanao; Roger Daud Baguindali, 33, a resident of Barangay Ugalingan, Datu Piang, Maguindano; Wahid Esmael Yusop, 23, a resident of Barangay Butilen, Ampatuan, Maguindano; and Abdulgapor Buday Singh, 65, a resident of Barangay Andavit, Datu Salibo, Maguindanao.
The firearms and ammunition were concealed inside the tire compartments and side doors of the two Toyota Vios, police said.
Based on police intelligence reports, the suspects allegedly traveled from Taguig City bound to Datu Piang, Maguindanao.
Authorities said the vehicles boarded a RoRo (roll-on/roll-off) vessel and arrived at Allen Port around 9:40 a.m. Wednesday, July 28.
Around 10:15 a.m., the RoRo vessel docked at Balwharteco Pier.
Upon disembarkation, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Northern Samar police team stopped the suspected vehicle, dispatched the PCG K9 dogs, and conducted proper inspection that led to the recovery of 36 units of M-16 rifle with undetermined number of magazines and three units of 45-caliber pistol, said PCG in a separate statement.
The operation units were from Allen Municipal Police Station, led by Lieutenant Nimrod Holares; Northern Samar Provincial Intelligence Unit, led by Lieutenant Colonel Eddie Esidera; PCG, led by CGPO3 Jeffrey Quintin Cruzata; K9 unit, led by CGPO3 Bernie S Madrid Jr.; 1st Northern Samar Provincial Mobile Force Company (NSPMFC) led by Corporal Emilio Carińo Tizon Jr., under the supervision of major Edwin Oloan Jr; 2nd NSPMFC, led by Major Seth Mark Alob; and personnel from NSPSOG, MAPIO-DI, CTOD/MST-National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, and Highway Patrol Unit Allen.
The suspects will be facing charges for violation of Republic Act 10591, or illegal Possession of Firearms. (SunStar Philippines)