The Philippine National Police (PNP) is tracing the origin of the firearms allegedly sold illegally by two Caloocan City police officers to determine whether they are linked to a larger criminal network.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. ordered a ballistics examination of firearms seized from the suspects – identified as a 32-year-old staff sergeant and a 39-year-old master sergeant – to determine whether the weapons had been used in previous shootings, according to a press release issued Friday.
The probe comes as investigators look into the motive behind the alleged illegal gun trade, with Nartatez citing separate reports of violent crimes in different areas.
The PNP chief also ordered background checks on the suspects to determine whether they had accomplices within the police force.
‘There is no place in the PNP for personnel who abuse their authority or violate the law. If you choose to engage in criminal acts, you will be investigated, arrested and prosecuted,’ Nartatez said.
The investigation is part of the government’s efforts to ‘strengthen internal discipline in the police organization, dismantle criminal groups and ensure that erring personnel are held fully accountable under the law,’ according to the press release.
The suspects, who were arrested in a buy-bust operation in Barangay 5 on Thursday, face criminal charges for violating Republic Act No. 10591, or the Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, in addition to administrative complaints.