Security agency faces raps for unauthorized firearms, ammo

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 10, 2022): Security agency faces raps for unauthorized firearms, ammo (By Alexander Lopez)

SEIZED FIREARMS. Members of the Surigao del Norte Police and the Army’s 30th Infantry Battalion seize 14 undocumented firearms and various ammunition from a security guard agency at the boundary of Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur on Aug. 5, 2022. The arrested persons transporting the seized guns and ammo aboard three vehicles claimed they belonged to the Phela Eagles Security Agency. (Photo courtesy of SDNPPO)

A security agency in Surigao del Norte is facing charges for failing to present pertinent documents on the firearms and ammunition seized by authorities from its possession.

In a statement Tuesday, the provincial police said charges were being prepared against the Phela Eagles Security Agency for violation of Republic Act (RA) 10591 or the Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition.

“I commend the troops for the successful police operation in line with our campaign against illegal possession of firearms,” provincial police director, Col. Renato Mercado, said.

At least 28 12-gauge shotguns, two 9mm. pistols, 295 pieces of shotgun ammunition, and five pieces of 9mm. ammunition were seized on August 5 from personnel of the security agency at a checkpoint manned by members of the provincial police and the 30th Infantry Battalion at the border of Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur.

Also confiscated from the group were 15 units of handheld radios.

The firearms and ammunition were loaded in three vehicles driven by persons who identified themselves with the security agency.

Mercado said the security agency would also face charges for violating provisions of RA 5487 that regulates the organization and operation of private detective agencies and watchmen or security guard agencies.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1180938