Two Singaporean nationals and their Filipino accomplice were arrested in Valenzuela City, Philippines, for illegal possession and sale of firearms on 17 April 2025, according to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) of the Philippine National Police (PNP).
The suspects, identified as Desmond and Louis Poh from Singapore, along with a Filipino national known only as “Mark” were caught during a buy-bust operation conducted in Barangay General T De Leon.
Authorities seized 10 loose firearms and an airsoft replica during the operation.
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The confiscated weapons included four light weapons — an M-15 rifle, a Garand M2 carbine, an MK-9 sub-machine gun, and an MKGs 9mm rifle — and six small arms consisting of four 9mm pistols, one .45 calibre pistol, and one .22 calibre pistol.
The operation also yielded various magazines and live ammunition.
Months-Long Surveillance
The arrests came after months of careful monitoring by Philippine authorities.
“The firearms they possessed were actually of higher quality than those they were selling,” said CIDG-DSOU Deputy Chief Michael Visco, noting the advanced nature of the weapons found during the raid.
The CIDG reported that the suspects had been under surveillance for an extended period following tips about their illegal activities.
The operation culminated in a successful test-buy, where undercover agents purchased four firearms, providing sufficient grounds for the arrests.
Tourist Facade
According to investigators, the Singaporean suspects regularly travelled to the Philippines under the guise of tourism.
“They go to gatherings, and in those gatherings, once the people are drunk enough, they brag about their guns,” Visco told GMA News Online.
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The suspects reportedly participated in racing events, particularly in Clark, Pampanga, where they would flaunt their firearms during social gatherings.
“Sometimes, they go to Clark to race. Sometimes, they go by peers. They go to gatherings, and in those gatherings, once the people are drunk enough, they brag about their guns,” Visco explained.
Legal Consequences
All three suspects are now facing charges for violating Republic Act 10591, also known as the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
If convicted, they could face up to 40 years in prison.
When approached by local media after their arrest, the two Singaporean nationals declined to comment.
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Gun Ban Context
The arrests come during a firearms carrying ban in the Philippines, which runs from 12 January to 11 June 2025.
This ban was implemented to reduce election-related violence ahead of the Philippine national elections scheduled for 12 May 2025.
The CIDG stated that the confiscation of these weapons and the arrest of the suspects have significantly reduced the threat of “guns, goons, and gold” in Philippine politics.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine the full scope of the operation, including identifying potential collaborators and uncovering the source and distribution network of the firearms.
The police are also investigating whether there are other members involved in the syndicate.
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All three suspects remain in police custody as the investigation proceeds.
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