Thirteen firearms were seized in a raid conducted at Mongoose Security Agency [Mongoose], the security provider of APEX Mining Company, in Masara, Maco, Davao de Oro Province last Jan. 14.
Police elements from Regional Civil Security Unit XI led the administrative inspection, together with the Regional Mobile Force Battalion, Davao de Oro Provincial Mobile Force Company, Davao de Oro Police Provincial Office.
Brig. Gen. Filmore Escobal, the director of Police Regional Office XI, said the alleged violation of the contract of security services by Mongoose was the basis for the inspection.
Also, the inspection was conducted to validate the complaints by employee security guards of alleged threats and continuing violations of the owner of Mongoose Security Agency, Jesus Martinez for delayed and non-payment of their salaries, SSS, PhilHealth, and the alleged possession of unregistered high-powered firearms.
The inspection resulted in the confiscation of unregistered high-powered firearms. The confiscated firearms include 13 units of M16 rifles, one .30 caliber M1 Garand, and two 12-gauge shotguns.
Also confiscated were one defaced M16 rifle, one defaced 12-gauge shotgun, one defaced .50 caliber Barret sniper rifle, one bandolier for Barret, and 16 rounds of cartridge ball for caliber 50.
Consequently, on Feb. 6 at 2:30 pm, the team from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) requested the assistance of the Davao De Oro Police Provincial Office DDOPPO, spearheaded by Col. Joselito Loriza, officer-in-charge, and 1st Company Davao De Oro to implement the search warrant on the expired firearms owned by Mongoose Security Agency.
During the raid, elements of the DDOPPO noticed an armed man in the company of NBI carrying high powered firearms. However, upon verification, it was revealed that he is not a member of NBI but turned out to be a member of Martinez’s security agency.
Escobal identified the man as Greg Anduwa Macaspe, who yielded one M16A1 firearm with an attached grenade launcher, M203 and one magazine, and 10 live ammunition. The firearms were also unlicensed.
A charge for violation of RA 10591 was filed against Macaspe.
The regional police director, requested clarification from the NBI as to why they were accompanied by Martinez’ security guards during the raid.
“We will recommend for possible cancellation or revocation of the firearms’ licenses under Mr. Martinez’s security agency and filing of appropriate criminal charges,” he said.
“As regards the allegation of the security guards for non-payment of salaries and non-remittance of government premiums, the same will be endorsed to the appropriate agency,” he added.
He also warned everyone, especially big corporations and influential people to follow the requirement of the law in firearms registration.
“They should refrain from maintaining their Private Armed Groups (PAGS) because the PNP will never tolerate any violations committed against the law,” he said.
