Trio nabbed with 11 weapons after months of surveillance by Philippine police in Metro Manila
Three men — two Singaporeans and a Filipino — were arrested in a sting operation in Valenzuela City, Metro Manila, for illegal firearms sales following months of surveillance by Philippine police. Authorities seized 11 weapons and a cache of ammunition in a move that exposes transnational gun-running tactics.
On April 17, officers from the Philippines’ Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) posed as buyers and successfully purchased four firearms from the suspects in a covert buy-bust operation. The suspects were arrested in Valenzuela City shortly after the transaction.
Foreigners Masqueraded as Tourists
The two Singaporean men, Desmond and Louis Poh, along with a Filipino identified as Mark, allegedly entered the Philippines as tourists while engaging in illicit gun sales. Police said the suspects attended public events, including racing gatherings, where they flaunted their firearms to intoxicated attendees.
Arsenal Seized During Raid
Authorities recovered an array of weapons, including an M-15 rifle, a Garand M2 carbine, an MK-9 sub-machine gun, an MKGs 9mm rifle, and six pistols of various calibres. Alongside the firearms were gun magazines and live ammunition, further solidifying the charges.
The arrests come amid a nationwide firearm ban from January 12 to June 11, ahead of the Philippine elections on May 12. The ban aims to prevent politically motivated violence, and CIDG emphasized that such operations help dismantle the so-called “guns, goons, and gold” culture in Philippine politics.
Months of Surveillance Before Capture
CIDG officials stated that the trio had been under close observation for several months. The suspects reportedly operated across Metro Manila and nearby provinces, raising concerns about wider syndicate involvement and prompting expanded investigations.
All three suspects are being charged under the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, a serious offense in the Philippines. If convicted, each faces up to 40 years in prison. The Singaporeans declined to comment when approached by local media following their arrest.
Investigation Expands Beyond Arrests
The CIDG confirmed that further probes are underway to identify other syndicate members who may be involved in regional arms trafficking. Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been contacted for official comment regarding the nationals’ arrest.
The arrests in Manila underscore the risks of transnational arms trafficking and the ongoing efforts by regional law enforcement to curb illegal weapon circulation. The cooperation between security units and the decisive sting operation reflects the Philippine government’s heightened vigilance ahead of critical national elections.
Sources: Mothership (2025), The Straits Times (2025)
Keywords: Singaporean Gun Runners, Valenzuela Gun Sting, CIDG Arrests, Firearms Seizure, Filipino Accomplice
