By Jennifer P. Rendon
Two suspected gunrunners were arrested following an entrapment operation afternoon of February 16, 2021 in Calinog, Iloilo.
The suspects were identified as Leopoldo Latumbo, 70, of Barangay Simsiman, Calinog and Sierlito Castor, 47, of Barangay Badlan Pequiño, Calinog.
Latumbo allegedly sold a gun to a police undercover agent while Castor was the one who drove their motorcycle.
Recovered from their possession were a caliber .9mm Llama pistol (serial number 281253; a magazine assembly, four ammunition, and a holster for caliber .9mm pistol; P24,900 in fake or boodle bills and P100 marked money; and a super caliber .38 pistol (serial number 307406).
Members of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) – Capiz Provincial field unit and CIDG – Regional Special Operations Team, together with Calinog Police Station, planned the entrapment operation against Latumbo.
Captain Genesis Roque, Calinog police chief, said Latumbo was on probation for the same offense.
“The CIDG set out the operation to check if he went back into the firearm trade,” he said.
It was assumed that Latumbo used to do his transactions in the nearby Capiz town.
The arrest against the suspect was part of the PNP’s Oplan “Paglalansag Omega.”
Latumbo and Castor are now detained and will be charged for violation of Republic Act 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act).
