PNP chief warns cops: Don’t pawn newly issued guns

MANILA, Philippines - Days after distributing Glock 17 Generation 4 pistols to police officers, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Alan Purisima yesterday warned them against pawning the firearms.

Purisima said any police officer who pawns the 9mm pistol issued them would face criminal and administrative sanctions since the gun is still government property.

He also warned pawnshops that they would be immediately shut down if they accept the guns.

The PNP chief said the police officers who received one of the 22,603 pistols are required to take care of the firearm.

“Although the PNP purchased the gun at about P16,700 each, in the event they lost it, the PNP will charge them the original price of almost P40,000,” he said.

President Aquino personally led the ceremonial distribution of the firearms at Camp Crame on Tuesday.

Trust Trade’s joint venture with Glock won the contract to supply 59,904 pistols to the PNP. The P1.2-billion deal is the biggest so far in the PNP’s history.