Authorities arrested two alleged gun-for-hire suspects and recovered multiple firearms and a grenade during a law enforcement operation in Barangay Mapalad, Arayat, Pampanga on February 25.
The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), in coordination with local police, the Philippine Army’s 15th Intelligence Regiment, and the Explosives and Ordnance Disposal Unit, conducted the raid as part of the nationwide election gun ban enforcement.
The suspects, identified as Antonio and his cousin Ariel, were apprehended based on multiple warrants of arrest. Charges include illegal possession of firearms and explosives, violation of the election gun ban, and usurpation of authority.
During the arrest, authorities discovered a fragmentation grenade, two .45 caliber pistols—one with a suppressor—a 9mm submachine gun, ammunition, and forged identification cards bearing the names of police and military officers. The CIDG confirmed that the suspects are not affiliated with either the Philippine National Police (PNP) or the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
CIDG Director PMGEN Nicolas D. Torre III emphasized the agency’s commitment to cracking down on gun-for-hire groups and illegal firearms to ensure a safe and peaceful 2025 national and local elections.
