Cops seize deadly weapons sold in Quiapo

MANILA, Philippines - Police seized yesterday hundreds of sex gadgets and deadly weapons found openly sold in the sidewalks and the overpass bridge in Quiapo, Manila.

The operation was an offshoot of the directive of Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim to drive away vendors engaged in the selling of sex toys and deadly weapons even to minors and in full view of the public , according to Sta. Cruz police station chief Superintendent Nelson Yabut.

“These vendors reportedly enjoy the protection of unscrupulous policemen previously assigned in the Sta. Cruz and Quiapo districts. I personally made the round of the sidewalks and the Quezon Boulevard overpass and discovered that sex gadgets and deadly weapons are indeed being sold,” Yabut said.

The public has long been complaining of the proliferation of sex gadgets and deadly weapons for sale in Quiapo, but police reportedly did not address the complaints, until Yabut assumed his new post recently and waged a relentless campaign against all forms of illegal activities in his new area of jurisdiction.

Yabut said the selling of deadly weapons such as knives, penknives and brass knuckles has given fraternity gang members easy access to such dangerous gadgets as their weapons against their rival gangs. Even holdup men can easily buy these knives, Yabut added.

Police seized five pieces of penis-like vibrators, 138 pieces and seven boxes of assorted sex rings, eight boxes of sex-enhancing tablets, and hundreds of assorted knives and brass knuckles.

The vendors will be charged with obstruction and selling without permit, Yabut said.