Policeman arrested in gun smuggle try in Basilan

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ZAMBOANGA CITY — A policeman was arrested while trying to smuggle high-powered firearms and gun parts in Isabela City, Basilan province, a police official disclosed Friday.

Supt. Albert Larubis, Isabela City police chief, identified the arrested policeman as Police Officer 1 (PO1) Pendatun Mohammad assigned in Sumisip, Basilan.

Larubis said Mohammad was arrested around 11:30 a.m. Wednesday as he was about to disembark from a Roll-on Roll-off (RORO) vessel at the wharf of Isabela City.

Larubis said Mohammad was arrested following receipt of information that a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) loaded with guns boarded a ferry from this city en route to Basilan via Isabela City.

Larubis said Mohammad admitted that he was bringing high-power firearms when they “conducted verification and paneling” aided by a bomb-sniffing dog aboard the ferry.

Confiscated from Mohammad’s vehicle were three AR-15 caliber 5.

56 (Baby Armalite), two upper receivers of M-16 Armalite rifle and 25 pieces of long alloy M-16 magazines, according to Larubis.

He said appropriate charges are set to be filed against Mohammad.

He said Mohammad was arrested by combined operatives from the Isabela City Police Station, 905th Maritime Police Station and Philippine Coast Guard.