Solons want to probe PNP's 'dubious' release of guns

MANILA, Philippines - Three legislators are calling on Congress to probe into the alleged the Philippine National Police's (PNP) release of hundreds of high-powered firearms to police auxiliaries and security agencies.

In House Resolution 772, Antipolo City Rep. Romeo Acop, ACT-CIS partylist Rep. Samuel Pagdilao Jr. and Pangasinan Rep. Leopoldo Bataoil urged the House of Representatives Committee on Public Order and Safety to determine the implications of the reported release of the firearms to the government’s campaign against loose firearms.

The lawmakers, all former police generals, sought the probe after President Benigno Aquino III publicly revealed that a certain unit of the PNP in Camp Crame has reportedly released up to 900 high-powered firearms to various groups.

The President had said the released firearms consisting of AK-47 and M-16 assault rifles were "excessive" and "apparently were not meant for the recipients."

Director General Felipe Rojas Jr., Deputy Chief for Administration, denied any involvement by the PNP and suggested that the private groups themselves might have imported the firearms.

Acop expressed concern over the repercussion if the reports were true.

"The alleged dubious transfer of such high-powered firearms to private groups is particularly disturbing as it came in the heels of a successful crackdown by the PNP on loose firearms dubbed Oplan Katok," Acop said.

"If there is some truth to it, it will cast a lingering doubt on the sincerity and capability of the PNP to effectively implement Republic Act No. 10591, or the Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunitions recently passed by Congress aimed at arresting the proliferation of illegal firearms to protect the people against violence and maintain peace and order," Acop added.