Philippine Police Nab Indonesian for Possessing Nearly a Dozen of High-powered Firearms
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9 January 2023 12:36 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Philippine Police arrested an Indonesian citizen from Papua for possessing nearly a dozen high-powered firearms in a town in Sarangani province, on Saturday, January 7, 2023.
The said man turned out to be working as a pilot in the country, based on interrogation results
The Head of the International Relations Division of the National Police, Inspector General Krishna Murti announced this. He stated that the National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo had ordered him to coordinate with the Philippine authorities to investigate the case further.
Inspector General Krishna Murti said that the man named Anton Gobay, a 29-year-old pilot, was arrested along with two Filipinos. The two other suspects are named Michael Tino, 25 years old, a resident of Barangay Malalag, Maitum Sarangani Province, and Jimmy Desales Abolde, 53 years old, a resident of Purok Zoneza Saway, Barangay Labangal, General Santos City.
"The location of the arrest is about two hours flight from Manila, and the National Police attaché in Manila is on its way to the location to develop further investigative cooperation with the Philippine Police," said Krishna Murti to Tempo, Sunday, January 8, 2023.
Krishna also could not confirm whether the Indonesian suspect is part of the Armed Criminal Groups (KKB) that tried to purchase weapons there. The reason, he said, was that the arrest had just been conducted by the Philippine police so the identification process was still being carried out by the Indonesia National Police.
The arrest started when a field operation team, led by Police Captain Ralph Marvin Fracia Rivera, was carrying out a simultaneous checkpoint operation in the area. They suspected three men that were riding a motorized tricycle during the interrogation at the checkpoint.
During the arrest, the Philippine Police seized several firearms, including 10 Colt AR-15 assault rifles, one 9mm Para rifle, 20 steel magazines, and 10 detachable rifle butts.
Due to this arrest, Anton Gobay and the other suspects are now being arrested by the authorities. They were detained at the Kiamba Municipal Police Station for interrogation and case development by the Philippine local police.
“I want to congratulate the operation team behind the seizing of these heavy firearms. These weapons they possess can be used for criminal acts. Furthermore, we will carry out an in-depth investigation into the involvement of an Indonesian citizen and ensure that the full force of our law will be applied to every criminal element, both foreign and domestic," said Philippine Police Brigadier General Jimili Macaraeg, in his official statement, January 7, 2023.
EKA YUDHA SAPUTRA | MIRZA BAGASKARA | IMAJI LASAHIDO (INTERN)
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