BOC: Customs police official may face liability over gun safekeeping

A Customs police official whose firearm was used by his son in the fatal Ateneo de Zamboanga University shooting may face liability if an investigation finds negligence or an intentional criminal act, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) said Wednesday.

Interviewed on Super Radyo dzBB, BOC deputy chief of staff Chris Noel Bendijo said the agency has already relieved the official from his post and placed him under preventive suspension.

“If a criminal act was committed, whether intentionally or through negligence, these are the possible grounds for liability if negligence on the part of the individual is established,” he said in Filipino.

The BOC confirmed that the firearm involved in the shooting on the campus was a BOC-issued Glock .40-caliber pistol.

However, the agency said it has no record confirming that the body camera reportedly worn by the shooter also belonged to Customs personnel.

Bendijo said government-issued firearms should only be used by authorized personnel and must be properly secured to prevent unauthorized access.

He said firearm holders have a responsibility under existing firearms regulations to keep their weapons in a gun vault or locked container.

Following the shooting, the BOC tightened its monitoring of firearms issued to Customs Police personnel. Firearm inventories and inspections, previously conducted quarterly, will now be conducted monthly.

Personnel will also be required to personally appear with their issued firearms and show proof that they are complying with safekeeping requirements.

Bendijo reminded personnel that government-issued firearms should not be lent to spouses, children or other unauthorized individuals. — MCG, GMA News