Gun Seized From Pampanga Mayor Linked to Military
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Philippines — Authorities revealed that a firearm found in the possession of a security aide to a Pampanga mayor during an entrapment operation for alleged extortion bears a serial number traced to the military armory. This discovery has intensified scrutiny on the involved officials and their security detail.
The Glock 9mm pistol, marked with serial number AFP034885, is currently subject to verification at the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) logistics office, according to a certification issued by the Philippine National Police’s Firearms and Explosives Office (PNP-FEO). This document was obtained on August 8 and confirms critical details about the case.
Details of the Entrapment and Firearms Possession
The certification highlighted that five out of six men arrested alongside San Simon, Pampanga Mayor Abundio “JP” Punsalan Jr. during the August 5 entrapment lack a License to Own and Possess Firearms (LTOPF). The individuals identified as Ed Ryan Vergara Dimla, Rodolfo David Dagdag Jr., Philip Ronnie Gole Jimenez, Rufino Valencia Cruz, and Erwin Estrico Calma were declared unlicensed firearm holders without registered ammunition.
Local officials noted that the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), which led the operation in Clark Freeport, requested the PNP Civil Security Group to issue this certification. An assistant director for intelligence service from the NBI was involved in facilitating the process.
Extortion Allegations and Financial Transactions
Community members reported that complainants initially handed over a payment of P30 million and were allegedly permitted to settle the remaining P100 million through installments. The large sum underscores the gravity of the extortion charges filed against Punsalan and his associates.
Security Detail’s Military Links and Firearms Registration
Among the mayor’s security team, Domingo Suguitan Ramones was identified as a member of the Philippine Army’s 70th Infantry Battalion, 7th Infantry Division, based in Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija. The PNP-FEO confirmed that Ramones holds an LTOPF, although it expired on September 18, 2020, and no firearm is registered under his name.
In contrast, Mayor Punsalan maintains a valid LTOPF until July 15, 2033, with three firearms officially registered to him. However, an M4 Remington rifle confiscated during the arrest was found to be unregistered, and three pistols seized were registered to individuals other than the suspects.
Legal Proceedings and Current Detention Status
Following their arrest, Punsalan and Dimla were formally charged with extortion and graft during their inquest proceedings on August 6. The remaining security personnel face charges related to illegal possession of firearms. All six men are currently detained at an NBI facility within the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City.
These developments shed light on serious issues involving local governance, firearms possession, and alleged corruption. Officials continue to monitor the case closely as investigations progress.
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