A traffic violator was found in possession of a 9mm caliber Glock 17 along with magazines and 18 live bullets. (Photo by NCRPO)
MANILA, Philippines — A traffic violator found in possession of a supposedly unregistered firearm allegedly tried to bribe police officers in Manila with P500,000, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said on Friday.
According to NCRPO regional director Maj. Gen. Felipe Natividad, Manila Police District (MPD) officers S/Mst. Sgt. Reynaldo Cordova and Pat Remeil Yumul apprehended a 43-year-old man on Thursday morning for entering San Andres Street corner Quirino Avenue in Malate, a one-way road.
Cordova and Yumul, both part of MPD’s Tactical Motorcycle Rider Unit, confronted the motorist, who was said to be from Dasmariñas, Cavite. But during the apprehension, police — supposedly in plain view — saw a 9mm caliber Glock 17 inside the suspect’s Subaru sedan, along with magazines and 18 live bullets inside.
When pressed to verify the legality of his firearm, the suspect allegedly failed to present any registration documents. So after he was brought to the Malate Police Station for initial documentation, the suspect allegedly offered P500,000 as a bribe to be freed and the complaints dropped against him.
The police didn’t take the bribe.
Aside from the firearm, magazine and bullets, the vehicle and five bundles of P1,000 were also seized from the suspect.
According to NCRPO, further investigation revealed that De Ocampo was previously charged for violating Republic Act No. 10591 (Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition), R.A. No. 10883 (The New Anti-Carnapping Act of 2016), and R.A. No. 9165 (Comprehensive Drugs Act).
He was said to be involved in a kidnap-for-ransom case.
Police said that the suspect will face charges for violating Article 5, Section 48 (Reckless Driving – Entering One Way Street) and Section 56 (Failure to Show OR /CR) of R.A. No. 4136 or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code.
For the seized firearm and the attempted bribery, the suspect will be charged with violating R.A. 10591 (Illegal Possession of Firearm and Ammunition) and Article 212 of the Revised Penal Code (Corruption of Public Officials).
Natividad commended the two officers for having discipline, resisting temptation and maintaining their dignity. He also hopes it becomes a lesson for other officers who may face similar circumstances.
“Ako ay lubos na natutuwa sa mga tauhan namin sa NCRPO na katulad nilang nagtatrabaho ng maayos at tama at may disiplina sa sarili. Hindi nila ipinagpapalit ang kanilang serbisyo at dignidad sa pera. Magsilbi sana itong halimbawa at maging inspirasyon sa lahat ng mga pulis ng NCRPO,” Natividad said.
(I am really happy with our officers at the NCRPO because they work efficiently, orderly, and exhibit self-discipline. They did not sacrifice their service and dignity for the sake of money. I hope this becomes an example for all cops within NCRPO.)