MANILA — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) arrested an individual in Makati City for illegal possession of firearms following a buy-bust operation conducted by its Dangerous Drugs Division (DDD) and Organized and Transnational Crime Division (OTCD).

The suspect was identified as David Sarmiento Sia, also known as David Rho. Authorities said the operation stemmed from information about a group of Chinese and Taiwanese nationals allegedly involved in the sale of firearms and illegal drugs, purportedly led by the suspect.

Joint operatives conducted the buy-bust operation on the evening of December 29, 2025, which resulted in Sia’s arrest and the seizure of an M3 submachine gun, a caliber .45 firearm with no serial number, one empty magazine, and marked money.

A further search of the suspect’s vehicle yielded additional firearms and ammunition, including a Pistol STI GP6 with serial number GO14059 and a loaded magazine, a Ruger EC9 pistol with serial number 455-32319 and a loaded magazine, multiple magazines, boxes of ammunition, a suppressor or silencer, and an IMI Defense pistol conversion kit.

The NBI said the suspect was able to present a valid license for the Ruger EC9 pistol but failed to show a license for the STI GP6 pistol.

Authorities said the suspect was informed of the cause of his arrest and of his constitutional rights before being brought to the NBI office for booking procedures and ultraviolet light examination. Forensic examination of his hands yielded positive results indicating the presence of yellow fluorescent specks and smudges.

The suspect claimed to be a Filipino citizen born in the Philippines, but authorities noted that he speaks broken or limited Tagalog and has difficulty writing in both English and Tagalog. The NBI said further verification of his identity and nationality is necessary.

The bureau said it will also coordinate with the Philippine National Police Firearms and Explosives Division to verify the authenticity of the firearm license presented by the suspect.

Sia is currently under the custody of the NBI-DDD and will be presented for inquest proceedings before the Office of the City Prosecutor of Makati City for violation of Republic Act No. 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.

Acting NBI Director Atty. Angelito DLP Magno said the operation underscores the agency’s commitment to law enforcement, noting that the Bureau remains resolute in enforcing the law with integrity and vigilance while encouraging public cooperation to help ensure community safety.