Firearms importer to cooperate in probe of missing rifles

MANILA, Philippines - An official of a licensed firearms importer yesterday vowed to cooperate in the investigation of the reported missing high-powered rifles that police officials said fell into the hands of communist rebels after they were purchased by a private security agency.

Servando Topacio, president and general manager of Twin Pines Inc., issued the statement after the committee on public order and safety of the House of Representatives described as dubious the claims of the police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) that the missing 1,004 AK-47 assault rifles bought by Caraga Security Agency owner Isidro Lozada were sold to communist New People’s Army rebels.

Lawmakers also chided the Philippine National Police (PNP) leadership for failing to cancel Lozada’s license to operate when the CIDG said it was he who facilitated all 23 transactions for the rifles it bought from the importer.

“We will continue to cooperate in any investigation into the matter simply because we have nothing to hide,” Topacio said.

“We’re not worried because all our transactions are always transparent, aboveboard and documented, and we will provide all the documents needed by the committee.

“Our company has been in this trade for 25 years, we’re also into manufacturing and assembly, and dealt with large companies, and have over 20 offices, and we have never been involved in controversies,” he said.

Topacio added his company could not have known what Lozada did with the firearms after the purchase.

Topacio said he would bring all the documents sought by the House committee, chaired by Negros Occidental Rep. Jeffrey Ferrer, to the next hearing this week.

During the hearing of the committee last week, lawmakers said they were very suspicious of what they called the premature conclusion of the CIDG.

Antipolo City Rep. Romeo Acop, vice chairman of the panel, asked why Lozada’s license to operate the security agency was not canceled by the PNP.

“Are you trying to say that the NPA can pay P52 million for firearms?” Acop asked CIDG director Chief Superintendent Benjamin Magalong during the hearing.

Acop also asked Magalong if they had checked the financial capability of Lozada to determine if it was really his money that was used to purchase the firearms worth P52 million.

“Is Lozada capable of purchasing such a large number of firearms? Because if he’s not capable of spending P52 million for 1,004 firearms, then somebody must be behind his back, somebody who is moneyed,” he said.

ACT-CIS party-list Rep. Samuel Pagdilao, another committee vice chairman, questioned the police Civil Security Group for not taking any action against Lozada and his security agency.

Pagdilao, a lawyer and former CIDG director, said there is an apparent lack of foresight and understanding on the part of the CSG in dealing with the issue.

During the hearing, Topacio also testified that all the 23 transactions with Lozada were for four companies – Caraga Security Agency, Isla Security Agency, JTC Mineral Mining Corp. and Claver Mineral Development Corp.

Topacio said only Lozada dealt with Twin Pines in its Butuan City branch, presenting himself as the owner and security provider for Caraga Security Agency; security provider for JTC Mineral Mining Corp.; security provider for Claver Mineral Development Corp.; and part owner of Isla Security Agency.