PCAC wants seized gun parts and ammunition

CEBU, Philippines - The Police Coordinating and Advisory Council passed a resolution yesterday asking the Bureau of Customs for the whereabouts of P3.5-million worth of gun parts and bullets seized by the customs sometime last November.

PCAC Chairman Eugene Elizalde said that they will be asking the Bureau of Customs to donate the confiscated bullets and gun parts to the Cebu City Police Office rather than let them rot in the warehouse.

He said one of their members brought up the idea during yesterday's meeting. 

"Sayang man gud kung nag-standby ra na sa Customs warehouse. Naa ra ba kuno'y gunpowder. Mubuto pa lang na, mas delikado," Elizalde said.

The gun parts and ammunition were seized by Customs from a 40-foot container van bound for Cebu.

The items were sealed in five steel crates. The shipment was declared as used disassembled truck head and used household goods valued at US$ 6,500. The gun parts included a night vision telescope and 8,000 7.62mm rounds for an AK-47 rifle.

The items were bought by a certain Robert Granthom of California, USA, who reportedly has a house in Cebu City. 

Customs officials earlier said that they can donate the seized items to the city government with the approval of Customs Commissioner Ruffy Biazon.

Meanwhile, Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama said he will not give the Malacañang sa Sugbu to the BOC even if Biazon assured it can still be used for tourism purposes while they hold office there.

"Wala siguro sya diri katong dili pa na Malacañang sa Sugbu. Let them see the area now, it's so tranquil. Way different from before," Rama said.

He said he will not change his mind and will write again to the president.

The Malacañang sa Sugbu was formerly a BOC office. In 2004, it was converted into an official residence of former president Gloria Arroyo. The century-old building is one of the historical edifices in the city. — (FREEMAN)