Official: Customs can donate guns to PNP

CEBU, Philippines - The PNP Firearms and Explosives Division Central Visayas Chief Rex Derilo said that the proposed donation of confiscated firearm parts by the Bureau of Customs to the Cebu City Police Office is possible.

This was after Cebu City South District Rep. Tomas Osmeña asked BOC to donate the confiscated firearms to the local police.

Derilo told The FREEMAN that Osmeña’s proposal can be realized, but the firearms should first undergo a strict process laid down by the PNP. “Taas pa kaayo ang process before na ma-donate sa pulis,” he said.

He said that the PNP is the sole repository of firearms in the country, adding that after the investigation currently conducted by BOC, the said firearms will likewise be turned over to them.

However, he clarified that they will respect the current investigation BOC is conducting.

“We respect them because they were the lead agency who confiscated the contraband,” he said.

Osmeña’s proposal came after the BOC intercepted a container van containing various contraband from the United Sates of America. The former mayor phoned BOC district collector Ronnie Silvestre to donate the confiscated guns.

Though it is possible, Silvestre advised him to formalize his request by sending a letter addressed to the BOC commissioner.

The congressman said that it is no longer needed, but Silvestre likewise insisted that only their main office can approve his request.

If soon approved, CCPO will receive parts of several M16 and M14 rifles which will be used to boost the police operations. 

The said guns is only part of the P3.5-million worth of misdeclared items which were mixed with six dismantled big bikes and personal effects such as chairs, sofas and toys, among others.

The cargo was declared as household personal effects. The shipment’s broker Rafael Rubio has denied any involvement, but promised to cooperate with the authorities. — (FREEMAN)