THE Philippine National Police (PNP) has seized 331 illegal firearms from various security agencies in Metro Manila since the start of the election period on January 13.
PNP Civil Security Group Director Reynaldo Biay said 250 firearms were confiscated from security agencies with cease to operate order while 81 were confiscated through the conduct of post-to-post inspection during the start of the election.
Of the total, 55 were 12 GA Shotgun, 39 were 9 mm pistol, 222 units of. 38 caliber, 10 Super 38, one caliber 380, two caliber 32 and two Mac Intratec.
“Aside from the confiscation of their FAs (firearms), the security guards were also issued Violation Ticket Report (VTR) which they need to settle to the Landbank of the Philippines upon issuance of an Order of Payment by the Enforcement Management Division (EMD) –SOSIA,” Biay said.
“The confiscation of FAs and subsequent issuance of VTR usually stems from the lack of License to Exercise Security Profession (LESP) of the security guard. The Security Agency of said guard is also penalized for the guard's violation,” he added.
PNP Chief Oscar Albayalde said it was also part of security measures for the upcoming elections citing that some candidates own security agencies which they may use against their rivals.
He, however, clarified that there is nothing wrong with candidates owning a security agency but what is not allowed is for them to hire security guards as their personal security aides particularly while campaigning.
“Well ‘yung owning a security agency walang masama doon because that is a legitimate business. What is unauthorized is for them to hire their own agency or own security guard na sila magdedetail sa kanila as personal security especially during this campaign period or bearing firearms without Comelec authority,” he said. (SunStar Philippines)