Two Suspected Gun Runners Arrested in Mandaue City Operations

Accident – Death – Obituary News : : 1. Cebu gun runners arrested
2. Police operations nab two gun traffickers in Cebu

Two suspected gun runners were apprehended in separate entrapment operations conducted by the members of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Mandaue City Field Unit on Easter Sunday, March 31, 2024. The first operation resulted in the arrest of 38-year-old Rigan Gomez Caleza in Barangay Centro, Mandaue City, with a .22 revolver and buy-bust money confiscated from him. In a similar operation in Barangay Alegria, Cordova town, 51-year-old Raniel Guasin Potot was apprehended with a .45 pistol. The CIDG Mandaue chief, Major Nigel Sanoy, stated that the operations were part of “Oplan Paglalansag Omega” following a tip about illegal firearms trading activities by the suspects.

The Arrest of Suspected Gun Runners in Mandaue City

On Easter Sunday, March 31, 2024, two suspected gun runners were apprehended in separate entrapment operations conducted by the members of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Mandaue City Field Unit. The operations took place in different barangays within the province of Cebu, Philippines, shedding light on the illegal trade of firearms in the region.

Entrapment Operation in Barangay Centro, Mandaue City

The first entrapment operation unfolded at approximately 9:30 a.m. in Barangay Centro, Mandaue City. It resulted in the apprehension of 38-year-old Rigan Gomez Caleza, a resident of Barangay Maslog in Danao City, northern Cebu. During the operation, law enforcement officers recovered a .22 revolver with no serial number and marked buy-bust money from Caleza, indicating his involvement in the illicit arms trade.

Arrest in Barangay Alegria, Cordova Town

Later that day, at 11:30 a.m., another entrapment operation led to the capture of 51-year-old Raniel Guasin Potot in Barangay Alegria, Cordova town. Potot was found in possession of a .45 pistol, further underscoring the prevalence of illegal firearms in the area.

Context and Purpose of the Operations

Major Nigel Sanoy, the chief of CIDG Mandaue, highlighted that the entrapment operations were carried out as part of the agency’s “Oplan Paglalansag Omega.” This strategic initiative aims to combat the proliferation of illegal firearms by targeting individuals involved in their procurement and distribution. The arrests of Caleza and Potot were made possible thanks to actionable intelligence received by the CIDG, pointing to their alleged activities in Danao City.

These developments serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in addressing the illegal arms trade and ensuring public safety in communities across Cebu. The swift and decisive actions taken by the CIDG Mandaue underscore their commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting citizens from the threats posed by criminal elements.

As investigations into the activities of Caleza and Potot continue, authorities remain vigilant in their efforts to dismantle networks involved in the illegal firearms trade. The successful outcomes of these entrapment operations signal a significant step forward in the fight against gun violence and illicit arms trafficking in the region.

Ultimately, the apprehension of suspected gun runners in Mandaue City serves as a testament to the dedication and professionalism of law enforcement personnel in safeguarding communities and upholding justice. It sends a clear message that those who engage in unlawful activities will be held accountable for their actions, contributing to a safer and more secure environment for all residents of Cebu.