Aklan men jailed for ‘gunrunning’

KALIBO, Aklan – Two men suspected of selling illegal firearms were arrested in an entrapment operation in Barangay Mabilo, New Washington, Aklan.

Police identified the men as Eugene Tabornal of Barangay Dongon West, Numancia, Aklan and Dionesio Toledo of Barangay San Sidro, Ibajay, Aklan.

Tabornal and Toledo were caught after the former sold a .45-caliber pistol, a magazine and seven live bullets to an undercover officer for P18,000 at around 1 p.m. on Sunday.

Ginamit ako ni Alog, isa ring tricycle driver sa Kalibo, para magdala ng baril sa New Washington dahil bibigyan ako ng P1,000,” said Tabornal, a tricycle driver. “Hindi ako involved sa gunrunning.”

Aside from the gun and the ammunition, police also confiscated Tabornal’s cellphone, where they found text messages pertaining to the suspects’ gunrunning activity.

Tabornal told the police that he only asked Toledo, a fisherman, to accompany him to New Washington.

Kukuha sana ako ng bangka sa Numancia. Niyaya niya (Tabornal) ako sa New Washington habang naghihintay ng sasakyan sa Laguinbanua, Numancia dahil magkakila din kami ni Eugene. Hindi ko alam ang kanyang transakyon sa pagbebenta ng baril,” Toledo said.

Senior Police Officer 3 Rowen Cipriano of the New Washington police station said the recovered loose firearms will be subjected to ballistic examinations to determine if they were used in other crimes.

Nagbebenta si Tabornal ng mga loose firearms sa New Washington dahil marami siyang suki na may-ari ng mga fishponds.  Naka-establish na ng market ang suspek dito,said Cipriano. “Paisa-isa lang siya magtinda ng baril para madaling mabenta, ayon sa ating police asset.”

Tabornal and Toledo were detained at the New Washington police station lockup facility and facing charges for violation of Republic Act 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act. (With a report from Aklan Forum Journal/PN)

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