Alleged member of crime gang nabbed for illegal drugs, guns sale

Authorities apprehended a member of a notorious criminal group over his alleged involvement in illegal drugs and selling of unlicensed firearms, according to Marisol Abdurahman “24 Oras” report Monday.

Identified as Zoren Almazan, the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) said the suspect is an alleged member of the Fajardo Criminal Group, involved in various unlawful activities such as robbery and murder. 

Also arrested is his cohort, Herbert Bignay. 

The QCPD seized illegal drugs worth P1 million and unlicensed firearms, reportedly issued to the Philippine National Police, from their possession. 

“Sinubmit natin sa Forensic Group para ma-ballistic examination at malaman natin kung kanino na naka-issue,” said QCPD District Director Police Brigadier General Redrico Maranan.

(We submitted the firearm to the Forensic Group for a ballistic examination and to know who the gun owner is.)

“Sila na rin yung tina-tap ng mga drug syndicates para patayin yung mga downline o small time pushers na hindi nakaka-remit ng pinagbentahan ng drugs, kulang at mga itinatakbo ang mga pinagbentahan,” he said. 

(They are the ones that drug syndicates tap to kill the small-time pushers who failed to remit the money from drugs.)

“Meron din silang, I think four na warrant of arrest na na issue ng iba’t ibang korte,” Maranan added. 

(I think they also have four warrants of arrest issued in different courts.)

Meanwhile, Almazan admitted to some of the allegations against him. 

“Inaamin ko po yung sa drugs saka yung baril na nahuli sa akin. Aminado po ako dun na nakuhanan po ako dun,” he said. 

(I admit they confiscated drugs and a gun from me.)

“Utos lang po sa halimbawa sumabit lang po sa drugs... dalawang beses lang po ako naka benta (ng loose firearms),” he added. 

(We are ordered to kill some small-time drug pushers. I sold illegal firearms twice.)

Bignay said he was aware he was selling drugs but had to do it to get by.

"Sa hirap po ng buhay, eh wala naman po akong ano," he said.

The QCPD said it has identified some of the suspects’ cohorts. They are now the subject of a follow-up operation. —Sundy Locus/LDF, GMA Integrated News