CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga — Five suspects were apprehended Sunday afternoon in a coordinated operation targeting illegal firearms trafficking in Nueva Ecija, authorities confirmed.

The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Nueva Ecija Provincial Field Unit, led by Lt. Col. Neilmar T. Retana, conducted a buy-bust operation at Pat Gas Station in Barangay San Francisco, Sto. Domingo, at 12:30 p.m. on 19 October. The suspects, identified by aliases “Alex,” “Rod,” “Ryan,” “Robert,” and “Renan,” were arrested after allegedly selling unregistered firearms to an undercover officer.

Col. Grant A. Gollod, CIDG Regional Field Unit 3 chief, stated that the operation was part of Oplan Paglalansag Omega, a nationwide crackdown on loose firearms.

“Illegal firearms fuel violence in our communities. Operations like this aim to cut off their supply,” Gollod said.

Authorities declined to disclose the quantity or type of firearms seized, citing an ongoing investigation. The suspects face charges under Republic Act 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.

The CIDG collaborated with the Sto. Domingo Municipal Police Station in the operation.