MANILA – Two police officers assigned in Caloocan City will face dismissal proceedings after being arrested in a buy-bust operation for allegedly selling unlicensed firearms, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Thursday.
In a press briefing in Camp Crame, PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the two active cops, ranked Staff Sgt. and Master Sgt. and both assigned to the Caloocan City Police Station, were arrested in a buy-bust operation at about 5:30 a.m. on Thursday.
He said the suspects will face charges for violating Sections 28 and 29 of Republic Act 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, as well as administrative charges.
“I-dismiss ko yung pulis at idi-dismiss din ni National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) Regional Director Maj. Gen Anthony Aberin not only for criminal cases, but administrative cases shall be filed at putol na kaagad yung suweldo nito. Alaws- P or absence of leave without pay (I will dismiss the police officer and NCRPO Regional Director Maj. Gen Anthony Aberin will also dismiss them, not only for criminal cases but administrative cases shall be filed and their salary will be cut immediately. Alaws- P or absence of leave without pay),” Nartatez told reporters.
Authorities said the suspects were arrested after meeting a civilian poseur-buyer to complete the supposed sale.
Recovered from the suspects were two PNP-issued firearms: a Pietro Beretta Model 92 DS 9mm pistol with one magazine loaded with 10 rounds of ammunition, and a Taurus 9mm pistol with two magazines loaded with 35 rounds.
Police also seized a .38-caliber revolver loaded with two rounds, a 12-gauge shotgun with four shotgun shells, the marked buy-bust money consisting of one genuine PHP500 bill and two boodle PHP1,000 bills, two mobile phones, and two motorcycles.
Nartatez said the two suspects were brought to the Caloocan Police Station for documentation, and they will be subject to inquest on Thursday before the concerned court in Caloocan. (PNA)
