PNP officer, civilian arrested in illegal firearms entrapment operation in Davao City

A police officer and a civilian were arrested in an early morning entrapment operation along Roxas Avenue on Monday, 13 October, for alleged involvement in illegal firearm trading.

The operation, carried out around 4:50 AM, was launched by the Regional Intelligence Division 11 (RID11) under the direct supervision of PCOL Melvin R. Montante, in coordination with the City Intelligence Team–RID11 and other units of the Police Regional Office 11 (PRO 11).

Authorities identified the suspects as a police personnel, known by the alias Mohamad, assigned to the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 14 (RMFB14 BAR), and a civilian, alias James. Both are facing charges for violating Republic Act 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.

Police said the entrapment was based on intelligence gathered through the Barangay Information Network (BIN), which earlier reported the suspects’ alleged involvement in the illegal sale of firearms. Confiscated during the operation were two M4 rifles (Bushmaster and Colt Defense), two .45-caliber pistols (Limcat and Colt), a 9mm Pietro Beretta pistol registered as PNP property, several magazines and live ammunition, a dark brown Toyota Vios bearing plate number AHA 4983, one genuine ₱1,000 bill marked “BBM” used as buy-bust money, and 207 printed ₱1,000 bills used as boodle money.

In an interview with Daily Tribune, PRO 11 Regional Director PBGEN Joseph R. Arguelles confirmed that one of the suspects is an active member of the police force. He said the case is being treated as part of the region’s broader campaign against illegal firearms, adding that investigators are determining whether the suspects have links to remnants of private armed groups still operating in the area.

“While the incident may appear isolated, it could also be linked to remnants of former armed groups and private armed organizations still operating in the region,” Arguelles said. “We must remain vigilant, especially our barangay officials and local chief executives, who play a crucial role in monitoring individuals involved in illegal activities.”

Arguelles emphasized PRO 11’s renewed commitment to ensuring that all violators, regardless of rank or affiliation, face the full force of the law.

“This serves as both a reminder and a warning — we are all duty-bound to uphold the law, not violate it. Those who do will be held accountable,” he said, while acknowledging police officers who continue to perform their duties with integrity, honesty, and courage despite the risks involved.

Both suspects are now in police custody pending the filing of charges, while the seized firearms and other evidence have been turned over for documentation and ballistic examination.