Firearms, drugs confiscated during search

Based on investigation, the suspects were sub-leaders and members of the Namang Criminal Group, which is involved in the illegal trade of loose firearms and the proliferation of illegal drugs in Quezon City, Pasig City, and Rizal Province

Three sub-leaders of the Namang Criminal Group fell into the hands of Talipapa police over the weekend after a search warrant was served by operatives of the Quezon City District Field Unit-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (QCDFU-CIDG), under the leadership of P/ Maj. Merben Bryan Lago, and Talipapa

Police Station (PS3), under the leadership of P/Lt. Col. Christine Tabdi.

Arrested were Maricel Amante, 27, Ricardo Oquindo, 50, and Kemson Saplic, 29, all residents of Barangay Baesa.

Based on the report, joint operatives of QCDFU-CIDG and PS3 served a search warrant against the suspects for violation of Republic Act (RA) 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, at around 10 a.m. on 20 February 2021.

The warrant was issued by Judge Virgilio V. Macaraig of Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 37.

Confiscated from their possession were a caliber. 38 revolver, an improvised shotgun, several rounds of ammunition, five grams of shabu valued at P20,000, a suppressor, two weighing scales and drug paraphernalia.

Based on investigation, the suspects were sub-leaders and members of the Namang Criminal Group, which is involved in the illegal trade of loose firearms and the proliferation of illegal drugs in Quezon City, Pasig City, and Rizal Province.

The suspects will be charged with violation of RA 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, while additional charges of violation of RA 10591 will be charged against Amante.

The search warrant will be returned to the court of origin, and the suspects will be referred to the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office.