Senate wants probe of seized cache of firearms, ammo inside Rockwell condo

Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri (Senate PRIB file photo)

MANILA, Philippines — Senate President Juan Miguel Zubri has asked the chamber’s panel on public order and drugs to conduct a motu proprio investigation into the massive volume of high-powered firearms and ammunition the police seized inside a Taiwanese national’s residence in Makati City.

Thirteen rifles, seven submachine guns, 65 handguns, ammunition, and hand accessories were confiscated by authorities in the condominium unit of Jiang Zhang Xiadong – the suspected leader of a Taiwan-based criminal syndicate – along Rockwell Drive on Monday night.

During the plenary session on Wednesday, Zubiri urged former national police chief and Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, who chairs the panel, to look into the issue and its possible implications for national security.

“It could be anything such as gunrunning, but it could also be as bad as a terrorist cell. So, I think there might be some national security concerns on this particular issue. Maybe you can initiate your own inquiry…I think this needs further investigation on your part, and then, you can brief the Senate if possible,” Zubiri said.

He then went on: “Maganda na tingnan natin nang malalim ito [It would be great if we can thoroughly look into this], and hopefully, we can get to the bottom of it.”

Dela Rosa vowed to comply with Zubiri’s directive urgently.

“I will do it, and I will submit the required report. You are correct. The implication of such an issue may reach as far as national security. So kailangan aksyunan natin ito [So this needs to be acted upon],” he said.

But Dela Rosa sought to clarify if his committee is allowed to conduct such an inquiry sans a filed resolution, to which Zubiri responded in the affirmative.

He cited Section 2 of the Senate rules of procedure governing inquiries in aid of legislation states, which states: “Inquiries may be initiated by the Senate or any of its Committees if the matter is within its competence, or upon petition filed or upon information given by any Senator or by any person not a member thereof.”

Zubiri also pointed out that since the request for an inquiry is being discussed in plenary, which is the “supreme authority,” the conduct of the probe is protected under the rules of the upper chamber.

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JPV