NBI arrests 12 Chinese nationals for illegal firearms, resisting arrest

Twelve Chinese nationals were arrested during a raid conducted by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in Ayala Alabang, Muntinlupa on suspicion of possessing illegal firearms and resisting arrest.

The operation took place from 10 p.m. Monday to 6 a.m. Tuesday and involved simultaneous raids on three houses within an exclusive subdivision; reinforcements arrived during the operation complicating efforts for authorities.

During the raid, NBI operatives seized ten firearms with tampered serial numbers, ammunition, tasers, handcuffs, tactical vests, and other items including four vehicles impounded due to lack of proper documentation.

The arrested individuals are being investigated for possible military backgrounds or affiliations with criminal groups, syndicates, or organized crime.

Charges are being prepared under the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act and for resistance to authority, while Filipino drivers working for the suspects were questioned but released to their lawyers' custody.

The arrest prompted the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines to issue an advisory warning Chinese citizens about unstable public security and advised them to conduct risk assessments before traveling.