ARAYAT, Pampanga — A suspected member of the Randy Ponce Gun-For-Hire Group was arrested during a search operation in Barangay San Juan Baño, Arayat on Tuesday, 28 January.
The Pampanga Police Provincial Office (PPPO) said the 45-year-old suspect, previously arrested in 2022 for similar violations, was apprehended for violating Republic Act 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act).
The operation, led by the Pampanga Police Provincial Intelligence Unit (PIU) with support from SWAT Pampanga, Arayat MPS and other law enforcement units, resulted in the seizure of several weapons, including one unit of The Ranger Caliber .45 pistol, loaded with nine live rounds of ammunition, one black magazine of Caliber .45 with nine live rounds, one hand grenade, and one black firearm holster.
PRO3 Provincial Director Police Colonel Jay Dimaandal said, “Today’s operation underscores our continued efforts to combat criminal groups and remove illegal firearms from our communities.”
Meanwhile, the PPPO has arrested three individuals in separate operations across the province within a single day.
In Porac, a 47-year-old carpenter was taken into custody in Barangay Sta. Cruz after causing a disturbance while wielding an improvised shotgun. He failed to present legal documents for the firearm and was brought to the Porac Municipal Police Station.
In the City of San Fernando, a 40-year-old resident of Barangay Maimpis was arrested during an entrapment operation. Police seized a Smith & Wesson .38 caliber revolver without a serial number. The suspect was immediately taken into custody, and charges were prepared.
In Arayat, a 19-year-old construction worker was caught in a buy-bust operation in Barangay Candating. Authorities recovered a .38 caliber revolver, marked money and suspected marijuana.
The suspect was brought to the Arayat Municipal Police Station for documentation and legal proceedings.