After uncovering the anomalous sale of more than P52 million worth of assault rifles to communist rebels, the Philippine National Police is looking into yet another irregularity involving the registration of firearms. RADYO INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines–After uncovering the anomalous sale of more than P52 million worth of assault rifles to communist rebels, the Philippine National Police (PNP) is looking into yet another irregularity involving the registration of firearms.
PNP Director General Alan Purisima on Tuesday ordered an investigation into reports that some gun owners have been able to buy spurious firearms licenses right inside Camp Crame, the PNP’s main headquarters in Quezon City.
“The PNP chief wants to put an end to this modus and make sure all those behind this are held responsible,” PNP spokesman Chief Supt. Reuben Theodore Sindac told reporters.
He said Purisima has also instructed Chief Supt. Melito Mabilin, PNP Civil Security Group director, to immediately submit a report on the matter.
According to Sindac, the PNP has also received reports that some unscrupulous individuals have been able to manufacture fake permits to carry firearms outside of residence (PTFOR).
“(Purisima) directed Mabilin to carefully investigate the reports we have been receiving and get to the bottom of the issue,” he said.
A police official, who agreed to talk with the Inquirer on condition of anonymity, said the bogus gun permits bore the fake electronic signature of Purisima.
“Some of these fake gun licenses are offered to gun holders inside Camp Crame,” the source said.
But Sindac said the PNP has yet to obtain a copy of the supposed bogus gun permits.
Under the law, only the office of the PNP chief is authorized to process and issue PTCFOR, while the PNP Firearms and Explosives Office is tasked to issue gun licenses to private individuals and juridical entities.
‘Final gun amnesty’ program
Meanwhile, Sindac said the PNP would hold a “final gun amnesty” program next month in line with its efforts to account for over 600,000 loose firearms nationwide.
Sindac said the implementation of the gun amnesty was also stipulated in Republic Act 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunitions Regulations Act of 2013.
“We have already started the preparations for the final gun amnesty program in compliance with the law as well as to ensure that all loose firearms will be accounted for,” he said.
Last week, the PNP’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Group claimed that the communist New People’s Army was able to purchase 1,004 AK-47 assault rifles with the unwitting assistance of 19 police officials, including four active police generals.
But Purisima immediately came to the defense of the high-ranking PNP personnel, saying the allegations against them were “mere hearsay and speculations” in the absence of “hard evidence.”