Two foreign nationals were arrested in a late-night buy-bust operation inside a restaurant along J.W. Diokno Boulevard in Pasay City on 25 February for alleged illegal sale of firearms.

Police identified the suspects as a 39-year-old Chinese national and a 33-year-old Taiwanese national. The operation was conducted by operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group–Southern Metro Manila District Field Unit following intelligence reports that a foreign national using the alias “Lucy” was selling unregistered firearms in southern Metro Manila.

After validation and pre-operational clearance, authorities carried out an entrapment operation that led to the arrest of the two suspects.

Seized during the operation were a 9mm revolver, three live rounds of 9mm ammunition, marked buy-bust money consisting of one genuine P1,000 bill mixed with boodle money, two mobile phones and a pouch bag.

Police said the inventory of confiscated items was conducted on-site in the presence of required witnesses. The suspects were informed of their rights in a language they understood and were assisted by an interpreter before being brought to the CIDG office for proper documentation and disposition.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. commended the operating team for what he described as a well-coordinated operation.

“This accomplishment sends a strong message—hindi tayo magdadalawang-isip na kaukulang umaksyon laban sa sinumang lalabag sa ating batas, lalo na kung ito ay may kinalaman sa ilegal na baril. Loose firearms fuel violence. We will not allow them to proliferate in our communities,” Nartatez said.

He said the operation forms part of the PNP’s Focused Agenda under Enhanced Managing Police Operations, which aims to dismantle illegal firearms networks and other organized criminal activities.

The PNP reminded the public that possession, sale or transport of firearms without the necessary permits is punishable under Republic Act 10591. Foreign nationals residing or doing business in the country are likewise bound to comply with Philippine laws.

“Let this serve as a warning,” Nartatez added. “We urge everyone—Filipino man o dayuhan—sumunod tayo sa batas. The PNP remains relentless in going after illegal firearms because public safety is non-negotiable.”

The PNP said operations against loose firearms and other threats to peace and order will continue nationwide.