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Thursday, March 28, 2024

AFP digs deeper into Valenzuela gunrunning deal

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The Armed Forces of the Philippines said Tuesday it was now conducting its own investigation on how weapons and ammunition intended for the military landed in the hands of a couple in Valenzuela City.

The couple are said to have links to rogue politicians and the Maute Group in Mindanao.

“Yes, the Army is already on it,” AFP public affairs office chief Col. Noel Detoyato said. He said the investigation will start from the initial probe of the Philippine National Police, which took custody of those caught in possession of the weapons and ammunition.

“In light of the recent PNP apprehension of the gunrunners and the recovery of the firearms with ammunition stamped with AFP markings, the AFP is conducting an immediate investigation to verify the source of these firearms and ammunition,” Detoyato said. “While we can already confirm that the captured firearms are not in our inventory, only a thorough inventory of our ammunition stocks will confirm whether there are losses that could have fallen to the hands of these gunrunners.”

Detoyato said the markings on the ammunition boxes would also play a key role in the investigation.

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“The AFP will further enhance our strict control measures and will treat this case as a valuable lead to weed out corrupt personnel in our ranks,” Detoyato said. 

“This case is a welcome development to once and for all institute an airtight system that will prevent pilferages in our system.

On Sunday, operatives from the National Capital Region Police Office arrested Edgardo and Rosemarie Medel in an entrapment operation in Valenzuela City.

Seized during the operation were two assault rifles, a handgun and 12,893 rounds of ammunition for an M-60 light machine gun and an M-16 automatic rifle. 

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