THE Philippine National Police (PNP) said it will sit down with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to strengthen coordination and information-sharing to help strengthen the campaign against the proliferation of loose firearms in the country.
This came after five people, including two soldiers and a policeman, were arrested for selling firearms during an entrapment operation in Barangay Tamontaka, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao on Tuesday.
Arrested were Patrolman Eliver Jay Anggot Soverano, reportedly assigned to the Philippine National Police (PNP)-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Regional Crime Laboratory Office; Datu Morjan Kunakon Tumindig; Adams Tuminding; and Army Staff Sgt. Gleen Argones Sangyao and Army Staff Sgt. Reynaldo Dichosa II, both reportedly assigned to the 6th Infantry Division.
“I commend the chief of police and the personnel of the Datu Odin Sinsuat Municipal Police Station for their aggressive campaign against loose firearms which led to the arrest of five people, two of them are soldiers and the other one is a PNP personnel,” said PGen Eleazar.
“This translates to nine less firearms at the hands of criminal elements who may be tapped to sow violence in the May 2022 elections,” he added.
The operation was conducted after a police poseur-buyer was able to transact with the suspects for the sale of assorted firearms.
Seized were a 5.56 mm Bushmaster rifle, two 5.56 rifle, an M4 Carbine, two cal. 45 pistols, and three 9mm pistols.
He said the PNP personnel arrested will be charged with both criminal and administrative charges.
PGen Eleazar earlier ordered early election security preparations that include aggressive operations against loose firearms and private armed groups.
“I am also warning all our personnel not to engage in this kind of illegal activity because I will make sure that the full force of the law will be used against you. As officers of the law, we should not be dishonest and remain as guardians of the people to maintain peace and order,” the Chief PNP said.