Cops may get guns seized as evidence

MANILA, Philippines – Philippine National Police chief Director General Avelino Razon Jr. wants to arm policemen with seized guns used as evidence in criminal proceedings in court.

“Confiscated firearms submitted as evidence that become custodia legis or in the custody of the law may be withdrawn upon termination of the court proceedings with the permission of the judicial authorities in accordance with Supreme Court Memorandum Circular No.  47-98,” he said.

The PNP is coordinating with the judiciary and prosecution service for the retrieval of confiscated firearms submitted as evidence in court, he added.

Razon said the Ilocos Region police under Chief Superintendent Romeo Hilomen is retrieving 142 seized firearms submitted as evidence upon conclusion of court proceedings.

In his report, Hilomen said a total of 1,456 different types of firearms are in court custody in the different branches of Regional Trial Courts and Municipal Trial Courts in the Ilocos region, he added.

Razon said some of these seized firearms may be issued to police units and personnel to fill the requirement for handguns, shotguns and rifles.

Police are waging a nationwide campaign to account for an estimated 110,103 loose firearms in the possession of criminals and unauthorized individuals, he added.    – Cecille Suerte Felipe