By JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL
CAMP NAVARRO, Calarian, Zamboanga City
Western Mindanao Command Chief Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr. said due process will be observed in relation to the arrest of a military officer and a young soldier due to gun smuggling.
“We do not tolerate any illegal activity perpetrated by anyone from the organization. They are the stains that should be removed to maintain the clean reputation of the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” said Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr., Commander of the Western Mindanao Command.
“Nevertheless, the AFP will still conduct our investigation and observe due process. Once proven guilty, the two will subsequently be discharged from the regular service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and will face the appropriate charges under the rule of law,” Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr further stated.
This came after the arrest of Captain Christopher Galvez Eslava, 41 years old, and a resident of Cabilao, Makilala, North Cotabato, and Corporal Ryan Laure Larot, 35 years old and a resident of Purok Gemelina, Barangay Banali, Pagadian City.
The two were apprehended for gun smuggling activities during an entrapment operation conducted by combined elements of the PNP and AFP at Purok Gemelina, Sanito, Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay Province at 12:15 in the morning last March 23.
Seized from their possession were one Cal. 5.56 M4 Carbine, make Daniel Defense; one 5.56mm M4, make Colt Carbine; one Cal. 5.56 M4, make TRIARC System; two 9mm Pistol, make Glock 19; one rifle grenade; three 40 mm grenade; six M16 magazines; three Cal 40. Magazines; and 1.2 million boodle money.
The two were accused to have perpetrated gun-running and gun smuggling activities and are temporarily detained at the Ipil Municipal Police Station. JIJ
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