MANILA —  Authorities have arrested an alleged member of an armed group in Zamboanga del Sur for illegally possessing firearms, ammunition, and a grenade, the Criminal Investigation and Detective Group (CIDG) said.

The suspect, known as "Junrell," was arrested on April 4 in Barangay Liba in Bayog town upon the implementation of a search warrant, CIDG chief PMGen. Nicolas Torre III said in a statement.

Junrell is an alleged member of a armed group that is allegedly being used by a local politician, Torre added.

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The arrest was a joint operation of CIDG Zamboanga del Sur, Bayog Municipal Police Station, the provincial intelligence unit, and the Philippine Army.

The CIDG confiscated an MK2 fragmentation hand grenade, a caliber 5.56 M16 rifle, a caliber .45 pistol, magazines, and several rounds of live ammunition from the suspect.

Torre said the confiscation would prevent their use "for crimes or possible contract killing."

The suspect was charged before the National Prosecution Service with violations of the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act and RA 9516 for unlawfully bearing and possessing firearms and explosives.

The CIDG is "undaunted in suppressing the 3Gs of Philippine politics—guns, goons, and gold—to ensure a safe and peaceful National and Local Election in May," Torre said.

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