Chinese national nabbed in Taguig admits owning high-powered guns

A Chinese national recently arrested in Taguig City admitted to owning the high-powered firearm seized at his rented residence. 

According to John Consulta's "24 Oras" report, the suspect and his companion underwent inquest proceedings for charges for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, and corruption of public officials. 

The suspect initially denied possession of the unregistered firearms but he backtracked and admitted he owns it in an exclusive interview with GMA Integrated News. 

"Sabi niya po, naglalaro siya sa shooting range, meron siyang Chinese na friend na nakipag-swap ng isang motor at ang binigay sa kanya ay yung baril, at yung taong yun ay nasa China na," an interpreter translating for the suspect said.

(He said he took possession of the firearm after a Chinese friend swapped it for a motorcycle.)

 "Ang gusto lang niya ay maglaro at pumunta siya sa shooting range para nagshoot at magplay lang," she said.

(He just wants to shoot at a shooting range.)

The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said it will conduct a deeper investigation into the incident.

"Iba-ibang pangalan ang alias at name na binigay niya, iba yung mga pangalan sa ginagamit niya," Police Major Jose Melencio Nartatez, NCRPO Regional Director, said. 

(He was using different names and aliases.)

Meanwhile, the NCRPO and the Bureau of Customs (BOC) confirmed the suspect undervalued the McLaren sportscar recovered in the townhouse.

Instead of P10 million, the BOC found the Chinese national paid only P4 million for its tax. 

Nartatez also said the suspect's companion who attempted to bribe the police for P3 million for his release is now under their custody. 

"Bakit biglang may 3 million? Bakit may high powered? Bakit may luxury cars?" he said.

(Where did the money, firearms, and luxury cars come from?)

"Sinong source, paano sila nagkaroon ng baril at bala, titingnan natin yun" (Who's the source), he added.—Sundy Locus/LDF, GMA Integrated News