PNP denies delivery of pistols ahead of contract signing

MANILA, Philippines–The Philippine National Police categorically denied the allegations of a partylist lawmaker that 28,000 pistols have already been delivered to Manila prior to the contract signing for the P1-billion firearms deal.

Speaking to reporters, deputy chief for administration and head of PNP bids and awards committee, Deputy Director General Emelito Sarmiento, said there has not been any shipping of pistols from Trust Trade and partner Glock Asia Pacific Ltd. from the United States as claimed by Agham Party-list Representative Angelo Palmones.

Palmones earlier said the Glock caliber 9mm pistols arrived in Manila South Harbor on September 4, just four days after the notice of award was released to the Trust Trade and partner Glock Asia Pacific Ltd.

He said the delivery of supplies can only be processed after the contract signing and the release of the Notice to Proceed.

“I have no knowledge of the claims made by  Palmones regarding the delivery of  28,000 firearms…,” Sarmiento said.

The BAC head said Palmones should verify first his information before making the accusation.

The original winning bidder was R. Espenille, and partner Israel weapons industry, but was disqualified for their failure to comply with the documentary requirements.

Partners Trust Trade and Glock Asia Pacific Ltd. were then hailed as next lowest calculated bidder and have submitted the necessary documents and passed all endurance tests, taking the contract for 60,000 service pistols a step closer to conclusion.