PNP wants confiscated guns to be their property

Miami
April 29, 2008
Story 3: PNP wants confiscated guns to be their property

Philippine National Police Chief, Avelino Razon is considering the confiscated guns presented at the courtrooms as evidence to be at their property.

The will closely coordinate with the regional branches of the judiciary and prosecution services for the retrieval of confiscated firearms submitted as evidence in court proceedings.

“The loose firearms submitted as evidence become ‘custodia legis’ or in the custody of law, may be turned over to the PNP because the PNP is in need of guns,” PNP Public Information Office Chief Supt. Nicanor Bartolome said.

He said it will be better if these guns will be turned over to the PNP than to buy new guns which will cost them. They will use the guns that being cleared by the Court. “Of course we will legalize it especially those with serial numbers we will register it as our own and be distributed to our PNP units,” Bartolome said.

But, if the serial number of the guns are erased the PNP will not consider it.

The PNP Spokesman explained that the PNP observes a set of procedures in the disposition of onfiscated, captured, surrendered and deposited (CCSD) firearms, wherein some of these CCSD firearms may be forfeited in favor of the government to become PNP property.

"When these loose firearms eventually become PNP property, these can be issued to police units and personnel that are in need of such equipment," Bartolome said.

As of now, the PNP is already accounting on the number of firearms like handguns, shotguns and rifles that they need for the whole country.