CABANATUAN City -- The Nueva Ecija police scored big in their campaign against loose firearms as they raided an alleged illegal gun repair shop and arrested seven persons and seized several firearms and ammunition, including various tools and equipment used in the illegal operation.

In a buy-bust operation, a composite police team, led by Supts. Eli G. Depra and Godofredo K. Tul-o, nabbed Henry San Juan, an alleged illegal gun trader, who was nabbed while selling six cal. .38 revolvers to a police poseur-buyer in Bgy. Mayapyap Norte, here, yesterday.

Senior Supt. Crizaldo O. Nieves, provincial police director, said yesterday the raid at the premises of Jocelyn Espiritu, Henry’s sister, was conducted by the Regional Special Operation Task Group and the Cabanatuan police on the strength of a search warrant issued by Regional Trial Court Branch 32 Judge Ramon D. Pamular of Guimba.

Seized were five cal. .22 revolvers, two magnum cal. .22, a cal. 45, a 9mm, a cal. 38, 10 cal. .22 rifles, a Carbine rifle, assorted types of ammunition, and several kinds of tools and equipment such as electric drill machines, portable grinders and drills, engraver machine, press grips, steel saw and blades, vernell calipers and links for M-13.

Also nabbed were Renelito Boyno, Rawil Capute, Rowel Bueno, Jonathan Mayugas, Ricky Capute, Jackie Saroga and Gilbert Manso, all gun repair shop helpers, who came from Danao, Cebu, and started to work here a month ago.

During a press conference, Nieves said the operation shows that the police means serious business in the drive against loose guns in the province and that they are really determined to keep a secure and fair elections on May 13.

Asked if the said operation was enough cause to justify the closing down of the alleged illegal gun repair shop, Nieves said they have to seek first the city prosecutor’s office recommendation on the case.

Assistant city prosecutor Melvin Martinez, who was present during the press conference, said that since said closure move is already outside the criminal aspect of the case, their office would recommend to the local government unit concerned the closure of said establishment.