Osmeña eyes seized gun parts for city police

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City south district Representative Tomas Osmeña wanted the Bureau of Customs to donate the seized gun parts to the city policemen.

BOC district collector Ronnie Silvestre said Osmeña called him up to inquire about the confiscated guns.

"But I told him to formalize his request in a letter because I will forward it to the commissioner for approval," Silvestre said.

Osmeña said he has not made a formal request yet.

"Not a priority," Osmeña told The FREEMAN.

Silvestre, meanwhile, said that the Enforcement and Security Services of BOC is investigating to determine the real consignee of the confiscated shipment.

The shipment's broker, Rafael Rubio, had denied any involvement, saying he is just a signing broker.

Rubio instead pointed to Nelson Arnoco, a processor, as the one who has direct contact of the shipment's importer.

Rubio said he is willing to cooperate in the investigation.

The FREEMAN tried to get the comment of Arnoco but its text messages remained unanswered.

Last week, the BOC confiscated an estimated P3.5 million worth of misdeclared items, including parts of firearms, which could be assembled into several M16 and M14 high-powered rifles.

The consignee was identified as a certain Renato Ramos of 1513 J. Rizal Street, Cebu City. However, it was found out that the name and the address were fictitious.

Included in the shipment, which was declared as "household personal effects," were six dismantled big bikes.

Silvestre said that charges for misdeclaration and importation of prohibited items will be filed against those involved in the illegal shipment.

Aside from the dismantled big bikes and gun parts, personal effects such as chairs, sofas, toys, picture frames, wall decor, among others, were also included in the shipment. – (FREEMAN)