MANILA — The Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Monday presented to the media six balikbayan boxes containing ammunitions, magazines, gun parts and accessories.
Customs Commissioner Isidro Lapeña said the firearms parts and accessories were hidden under coffee bottles and canned goods.
“These would be sold to people who need these firearms,” Lapeña told reporters during the presentation of the seized items consisting of AK-47, M-16, .cal. 42 parts and accessories.
“As per inventory, the value is estimated to be more or less PHP5.5 million,” the BOC chief added.
On the other hand, Yogi Felimon, BOC-Enforcement and Security Service (ESS) director said two suspects were arrested through a controlled delivery operation in Zambales last Friday.
They were identified as Hilario Vicencio, 54, a resident of Osmeña St., San Isidro, San Marcelino, Zambales and Jun Navarro, 69, a resident of Resurrection St., Sta Maria, Castillejos, Zambales.
The consignee, Gregorio dela Cruz, residing on San Isidro St., San Isidro, San Marcelino, Zambales, is still at large.
Charges for violation of arms and ammunition smuggling under Sec. 119A, 1400, 1113 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA) and in violation of Republic Act 10591 or Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act will be filed against them.
He added that they are conducting background check on the suspects.
“Upon the instruction of the Commissioner, background check on them is ongoing,” Felimon said. (Ferdinand Patinio/PNA)
