SEIZED. The firearms and purported hacking equipment seized from a Chinese national by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group. The CIDG on Thursday (May 30, 2024) said an investigation is underway to determine the kind of equipment seized from the suspect, identified as Yuhang Liu. (PNA photo by Lloyd Caliwan)
MANILA – An operation in response to a gun-toting complaint led law enforcers to the discovery of firearms and suspected hacking equipment from a Chinese national in Makati City.
In a report on Thursday, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) said the suspect identified as Yuhang Liu was arrested along Finlandia Street corner Codornico Street in Barangay San Isidro, Makati City on Wednesday afternoon.
The arrest stemmed from a complainant's call who said Liu coerced him into delivering unidentified communication hacking devices to the suspect's residence.
This equipment would allegedly be placed in vital installations to hack or access mobile phones' international mobile equipment identity (IMEI).
CIDG members caught the suspect visibly in possession of a handgun tucked in his waist, prompting them to accost him and ask for his identification and authority to possess such a firearm. He, however, failed to present proper documents.
During the search of the suspect’s vehicle, law enforcers discovered several firearms and ammunition, a multi-band directional antenna system, battery units, a solar inverter, a radio receiver/transmitter, a Huawei router, an Apple tablet, mobile phones, and some cash.
A subsequent raid on the suspect's residence yielded an inverter unit, aerial drone, computer keyboard, CPU units, portable power supply hubs, several IDs, and cash.
In a press briefing in Camp Crame, CIDG spokesperson Lt. Col. Imelda Reyes said they consider the suspect's possession of such equipment as "alarming."
"Meron siyang certain gadgets, like yung drone, and meron din siyang mga cellphone and 'yung makapag-intercept nung other gadgets (He has certain gadgets, like a drone, and he has cellphones and equipment that can intercept other gadgets). So as of now, ang experts ang makapag-justify kung anong klaseng gadgets ang mga ito (experts can justify what kind of gadgets these are) and then we are waiting for a final report," Reyes said.
She also said they were coordinating with the military to confirm whether the suspect is a foreign spy.
The suspect will be facing charges for violation of Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act and is currently detained at the CIDG - National Capital Region.
Swift action lauded
On Friday, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) commended the CIDG and local law enforcement units for the suspect’s quick apprehension.
"The discovery of firearms and sophisticated electronic equipment is concerning and underscores the importance of vigilance," AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said in a statement.
Padilla added that the military is closely coordinating with other law enforcement authorities to determine the full scope of the incident.
"Ensuring national security remains our top priority, and we are committed to supporting ongoing investigations," she said. (with Priam Nepomuceno/PNA)
