Major Andrew Linao, the spokesman of Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) identified the Army Corporal Alkhaizer Balboa, 36 years old from Sinunuc, Zamboanga City.
Balboa is a member of 9FSSU, Army Support Command in Zamboanga City.
Also arrested by the joint Task Force Zamboanga and police were Rodolfo LLenado, Jr., 37 and Remar Hadjiri, 43 years old.
Linao said the three suspects were arrested for allegedly selling a cache of weapons to an undercover agent during a buy-bust operation inside La Terazza Hotel in Governor Camins Avenue, Zamboanga City.
They were caught in possession of several government-issued firearms and ammunition.
The raiding team seized two Colt M16 rifles; M60 Machine Gun; M653 rifle; one Colt MKIV cal. 45; magazines; several ammunition; caliber 45 empty shells; and an ammunition box.
Based on the report, a test buy operation was conducted on November 2 which attested to the illegal activity of Balboa.
Linao said Balboa’s movements had been monitored already until the operatives made follow-up operations.
Major General Alfredo Rosario,Jr. WestMinCom chief, meanwhile assured of impartial investigation and due process will be observed.
“If proven guilty, stiff penalties will be meted out to the soldier who committed the crime. Soldiers are the defenders of the people and the state, hence, anyone who violates the law has no place in the ranks of the armed forces,” Rosario said.
Photos: WestMinCom
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