Danao City: Police nabbed three alleged members of a gunrunning syndicate during a buy-bust operation in Danao City, Cebu, seizing several firearms and ammunition from them, the Police Regional Office (PRO) 7 (Central Visayas) said Monday.

According to Philippines News Agency, PRO7 Director Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan stated that the Regional Special Project Unit (RSPU) 7 operatives, in coordination with the Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RMFB) 7, arrested Requerod Ambrad Durano, Crispin Aloba Desabille, and Troy Raya Roland Caranoo in Barangay Suba, Danao City on March 21. The arrest of the suspects was the result of months of intelligence gathering and surveillance.

He reported that the authorities seized unlicensed firearms from the suspects, including three .45 caliber pistols with six empty magazines, one unassembled KG9 machine pistol with two empty magazines, and one unassembled Black Widow 9mm pistol. The suspects are believed to be part of a group involved in selling loose firearms to criminal groups operating not only in Central Visayas but also in other parts of the country. Their activities have been closely monitored due to the threat they pose to public safety and security.

Maranan emphasized, “This successful operation is part of our intensified campaign to dismantle illegal firearms networks and prevent weapons from falling into the wrong hands. We will not stop until all individuals involved are held accountable.” The three arrested suspects will face charges for violations of Republic Act No. 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act) in relation to the Omnibus Election Code.

Meanwhile, a manhunt operation is underway for another suspect, Requerod Moreno Durano Sr., who managed to elude the arresting team. Maranan urged the public to provide any information that may assist in the arrest of Durano Sr., a former barangay councilor of Barangay Suba, Danao City.