Four alleged gunrunners were arrested during a buy-bust operation at Brgy. Villarica, Midsayap, North Cotabato on 30 May for violation of Republic Act No. 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act).

According to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), the CIDG Maguindanao Provincial Field Unit together with other PNP units conducted the said buy-bust operation that resulted in the the arrest of four male suspects and confiscation three unlicensed light weapons - one M14 rifle and two M16 rifles.

A report that reached PMGEN Robert AA Morico II,  the Director of CIDG, stated that the four arrested suspects “Buz, Boy, Mar and Andy,” all male and of legal age were caught while selling and delivering  three units of light weapons - one M14 rifle and two M16 rifles, without the necessary documents. 

The suspects failed to present permit and license to own, possess and trade the said items. They are allegedly involved in gunrunning activities in North Cotabato.

The CIDG leadership commends PLTCOL Niño Lope M Briones, the Acting Regional Chief of the CIDG Regional Field Unit 15, and the CIDG Maguindanao Provincial Field Unit led by its Provincial Chief, PCPT Norman N Marcos and joint PNP units for the apprehension of the alleged gunrunners, and the confiscation of three loose firearms at once.