In a coordinated sting operation, two members of the Philippine Army were apprehended in M’lang, North Cotabato, on Friday for allegedly trafficking illegal firearms. The suspects, identified as Pfc Jay Clinton Delgado Paguntalan, a 30-year-old active member of the 39th Infantry Battalion stationed in Makilala, and Sarif Dasil Mungkas, a 35-year-old deserter, were caught during an entrapment set up by the Military Intelligence Battalion and local police along the national highway in Barangay Lika at around 3:30 p.m.
The operation led to the seizure of three unlicensed M16 rifles and PHP200,000 in buy-bust money from the suspects. Lt. Juaren Caang, spokesperson for the Cotabato Provincial Police Office, stated that investigations are ongoing to determine if the suspects are part of a larger syndicate. The Army’s 39th Infantry Battalion has also expressed approval of the arrests.
The suspects face charges under Republic Act 10591, the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, as well as violations of the Commission on Elections gun ban under the Omnibus Election Code. These cases are being prepared for submission to the Provincial Prosecutors Office in Kidapawan City.