Mayor's Aide Arrested in Military Gun Scandal

Photo courtesy of Inquirer

In a startling development, a gun linked to San Simon, Pampanga Mayor Abundio “JP” Punsalan Jr.'s security aide was found to have a military origin, escalating an already tense extortion investigation.

The entrapment operation led by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) uncovered a Glock 9mm pistol, with a serial number suggesting its origin from the military armory. This revelation was confirmed by the Philippine National Police's Firearms and Explosives Office (PNP-FEO), raising alarms about military weapons potentially ending up in the wrong hands.

The operation, conducted on 5th August in Clark Freeport, resulted in the arrest of six individuals, including Punsalan himself. The Mayor and Ed Ryan Vergara Dimla were charged with extortion and graft, while the rest face charges for illegal possession of firearms.

A PNP certification exposed that five of those apprehended, namely Dimla, Rodolfo David Dagdag Jr., Philip Ronnie Gole Jimenez, Rufino Valencia Cruz, and Erwin Estrico Calma, lacked the necessary License to Own and Possess Firearms (LTOPF). None of them were registered firearm holders, which adds severity to their charges. The involvement of military equipment has further complicated the case, with investigations underway to determine how the weapon was obtained.

Disturbingly, the complainants in this case were compelled to make an initial payment of 30 million Philippine pesos (approximately 18,750,000 THB) with a promise to settle a remaining debt of 100 million pesos (around 62,500,000 THB) in instalments, highlighting the scale of the alleged extortion.

One of Punsalan’s aides, Domingo Suguitan Ramones, has been identified as a member of the Philippine Army’s 70th Infantry Battalion. The certification revealed that his LTOPF had expired in September 2020, reflecting lax oversight. Despite this, no firearm was registered under his name.

Complicating matters, an M4 Remington rifle, confiscated during the operation, was found to be unregistered. Additionally, three pistols were linked to individuals uninvolved in this case, pointing to potential illegitimate firearms distribution.

Mayor Punsalan, meanwhile, holds an LTOPF valid until 2033 and has three registered firearms. His involvement in this operation has sparked widespread concern given his official status, demanding a rigorous examination of his roles and responsibilities.

Following the arrests, the suspects have been detained at an NBI facility inside the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City. The gravity of these allegations underscores a deep-rooted issue within the governance and security apparatus.

The unfolding story of military-grade weaponry entering civilian hands raises questions about security measures and the potential influence of corruption within administrative and military sectors. As the investigations continue, both the military and the government are under increasing pressure to address discrepancies and uphold accountability to restore public trust.

This dramatic turn of events is set to grab the national spotlight, as every new detail could redefine perceived systemic inefficiencies. Public attention remains fixed on further developments, eager for clarity and justice.

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Inquirer 2025-08-14