More than 500 unlicensed firearms seized by PNP-SOSIA in the last six months

The Philippine National Police - Supervisory Office on Security and Investigation Agencies (PNP-SOSIA) has confiscated over 500 unlicensed firearms in the last six months.

According to the PNP-SOSIA, a total of 584 firearms were seized from January to June 2020, which can be translated as more than 300% increase on the number of confiscated firearms.

"Hindi naman nakakaalarma kasi hindi naman ito kaagad maka-categorized as loose firearms. Karamihan dito may mga kakulangan lang na documents kung bakit ito naconfiscate," PNP-SOSIA director Police Colonel Sidney Villaflor told reporters.

According to PNP Deputy Chief for Operations Police Lieutenant General Guillermo Eleazar, the seized firearms will be subjected to further testing by the Crime Laboratory and Firearms and Explosives Office.

Eleazar also said police are checking the "Kambal Baril" scheme of some security agencies and security guards. He said under this practice, weapons have the same serial number.

"Kagaya noong nakita natin, isipin mo meron kambal pala na mahaba, meron kambal din na maikli so you could just imagine these are illegal activities na mismong mga guwardiya na pinagkatiwalaan o binigyan ng kapangyarihan ng ating batas na maghawak ng baril at magprovide ng security sa mga establishments," he explained.

Eleazar warned that cases could be filed against those possessing unlicensed firearms under Republic Act 10591 or Illegal Possession of Firearms. — Anna Felicia Bajo/RSJ, GMA News