In January 2023, authorities in Sarangani province, Philippines, intercepted a significant firearms smuggling attempt involving an Indonesian national and two Filipino accomplices. The trio was apprehended at a checkpoint in Kiamba town, where police discovered 10 Colt AR-15 rifles, 20 magazines, and 10 detachable rifle butts concealed in trolley bags aboard their tricycle. (newsinfo.inquirer.net)
The Indonesian suspect, 29-year-old Anton Gobay, reportedly entered the Philippines from West Papua, Indonesia, via Jakarta and Manila. He was allegedly supported by a faction of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) under the Jihada Minsupala Command. However, the exact role of this faction in the acquisition of the firearms remains unclear. (mindanews.com)
The firearms were intended to bolster the firepower of secessionist rebels in West Papua, where a prolonged separatist conflict has intensified in recent years. The West Papua National Liberation Army, the armed wing of the Free Papua Movement, has been seeking independence from Indonesia and is designated as a terrorist and armed criminal group by the Indonesian government. (mindanews.com)
Following the seizure, charges were filed against the suspects for violating the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act. Authorities have intensified checkpoint operations and police visibility in the region to prevent similar incidents. Col. Leo Sua, commander of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion-12, emphasized the commitment to enforcing the law, stating, "Our unit will not allow anyone to just freely transport their firearms, especially if undocumented and illegal even though they are foreign nationals." (mindanews.com)
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