In campaign vs loose guns, wanted persons CIDG-7 among best performers nationwide

CEBU, Philippines - The national director of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group lauded its regional office in Central Visayas for being one of the top performing regional offices nationwide.

Director Benjamin Magalong said that CIDG-7 was doing a great job in the campaign against wanted criminals and loose firearms.

CIDG-7 chief Ritchie Posadas yesterday presented 95 assorted firearms to Magalong. The firearms were confiscated by CIDG-7 operatives in various operations, mostly in Danao City. The firearms were estimated to worth P80,000.

Magalong said that accounting of loose firearms in the country is the flagship project of PNP chief, Director General Alan Purisima.

According to Magalong, the illegal gun manufacturing business is thriving because it is considered a “lucrative business.” He said, just like drugs, illegal gun manufacturing promises a good return of investment.

Magalong admitted that the illegal gun manufacturers in Danao City have improved the quality of their products. He said it is now hard to distinguish the homemade guns from the genuine just by looking at them. 

“Nakikita ko ang mga manufacturers nag-level-up, medyo quality na rin ang gawa nila,” he said.

Magalong explained that homemade guns are not safe to use.

He urged the local government units to come up with a comprehensive approach to help illegal gun manufacturers find a legitimate source of income.

“Ito ay isang major concern dapat lang itong tututukan natin,” Magalong said.

He said that if gun manufacturers are given alternative business they might not engage in illegal activities in the future. — (FREEMAN)