An active police officer and a former soldier were arrested in an alleged illegal firearms sale in Villasis, Pangasinan, prompting the Philippine National Police leadership to order summary dismissal proceedings against the officer.
The officer, who holds the rank of Police Chief Master Sergeant, is assigned to the Cuyapo Municipal Police Station in Nueva Ecija. He was arrested alongside a 41-year-old former soldier during a buy-bust operation conducted by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group and local police in Barangay Puelay on Tuesday afternoon.
PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. ordered the start of administrative proceedings against the officer. Nartatez said the officer could be dismissed from service if found administratively liable.
He also assured the public that the process would move forward promptly while respecting the officer’s right to due process.
Separate from the administrative case, criminal charges will be filed against both suspects for alleged violations of Republic Act 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
Authorities seized a Bushmaster 5.56 mm rifle, a .45-caliber pistol, magazines, ammunition and boodle money allegedly used in the transaction.
A PNP-issued Glock 17 9 mm pistol, along with its magazine and ammunition, was also recovered from the police officer.
The authorities did not provide further details about the alleged transaction or the identities of the two suspects beyond the information released.
Nartatez warned police personnel against colluding with criminals and said he would not tolerate officers involved in illegal activities.
The administrative proceedings against the officer are separate from the criminal cases to be pursued against both suspects. The outcome of the investigations and any potential charges will depend on the applicable legal processes.
