Operatives of the National Bureau of Investigation arrested an individual who was caught red-handed selling unlicensed firearms in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan during an entrapment operation.
The NBI said that the suspect — identified as Michael Perlas — was believed to be involved in selling unlicensed firearms in the province.
Authorities added that they received reports of Perlas’ illegal activities and conducted surveillance, with agents posing as buyers validating the suspect’s activity.
On 29 September, two agents from the NBI-NCR were introduced to the suspect posing as interested buyers of rifles and pistols.
Reports said that Perlas offered the agents three 5.56 caliber rifles, one 45 caliber pistol and one .357 caliber revolver for the total amount of P340,000.
On 3 October 2022, however, verification with the Philippine National Police-Firearms and Explosives Office disclosed that Perlas has no record of License to Own and Possess Firearms nor was he an authorized manufacturer, dealer or engaged in business of buying and selling ammunition, firearms or parts for sale or distribution.
An entrapment operation was planned by NBI-NCR operatives deploying agents of NBI-NCR arrived in San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan and strategically positioned themselves along the area.
When Perlas gave the firearms, NBI-NCR operatives approached the suspect and placed him under arrest.
Seized from the suspect were 1 Rifle Remington 5.56cal. Serial# 158296, 1 Rifle Colt 5.56 cal. Serial# Obliterated, 1 Rifle Colt 5.56cal. Serial# Obliterated, 1 Pistol Remington 45cal. Serial# 31953, 1 Revolver Taurus 357cal. Serial# 571-22815, and the two P1,000 bills as marked money.
Perlas was presented for inquest proceedings before the Office of the City Prosecutor of San Jose Del Monte Bulacan for violation of Republic Act 10591 otherwise known as “Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Act.”