No gun-toting Erap during Carmen visit

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu Provincial Police Office has submitted a special report on the machine gun replica issue to the Civil Security Group in Camp Crame.

Supt. Erson Digal, CPPO deputy provincial director for administration, pointed out that “there was no gun-toting made by Estrada” during his visit to Carmen town with Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay.

The special report explained that the replica has no cartridge/box for the ammunition; that it’s more of a toy gun. “Wala siya’y kargahanan sa bala unlike airsoft guns. Look-alike or duwaan lang,” this was learned. 

It was reported earlier that the PNP was investigating if charges can be filed against former President Joseph “Erap” Estrada for joining a parade last March 4 in Carmen onboard a World War II vintage jeep mounted with a replica of a 50-caliber machine gun.

The restored World War II US Army jeep, owned by the husband of Carmen Mayor Sonia Pua, which won in a recent vintage car show here, has been confiscated by the Police Regional Office-7.

Digal said that the machine gun replica could only be confiscated but the owner will not be subjected to criminal liability.

He also said he advised Pua to have the machine gun replica registered at the Firearms, Explosives, Security Agencies and Guards Supervision Section-7. — Niña G. Sumacot/MEEV