-
An ad interim unit of the Bureau of Customs will monitor the importation and exportation of firearms, gun parts and accessories, as well as ammunition and controlled chemicals used in making firecrackers and explosives
-
This is after an upsurge in seizures of those items last year
-
The Customs Firearms and Explosives Unit, created under Customs Memorandum Order No. 27-2022, will implement policies and procedures relative to the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act and Presidential Decree 1866
-
CMO 27-2022, dated October 4, took effect immediately and will remain in force until revoked
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has created an ad interim unit to monitor imports and exports of firearms, their parts and accessories, as well as ammunition and controlled chemicals used in making firecrackers and explosives.
The Customs Firearms and Explosives Unit (CFEU), established under Customs Memorandum Order No. 27-2022, will implement policies and procedures relating to Republic Act No. 10591, otherwise known as the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
The bureau seized an estimated P40.28 million worth of smuggled firearms and P9.34 million worth of chemicals last year, according to BOC’s 2021 annual report.
The value of smuggled guns and chemicals confiscated last year was 13,192% higher than the P303,000 worth of firearms and 87% up from P5 million worth of chemicals seized in 2020.
CFEU will also implement Presidential Decree 1866, as amended, governing controlled chemicals regulated by the Philippine National Police-Firearms and Explosives Division but still within the exclusive jurisdiction of BOC.
CMO 27-2022, dated October 4, took effect immediately and will remain in force until revoked.
CFEU will effectively monitor imports and exports of firearms, their major and minor parts, accessories, ammunition, and controlled chemicals used in making ammunition, firecrackers, and explosives.
The ad interim unit will be under BOC’s Enforcement and Security Service and should establish effective working relations with other government law enforcement agencies for efficient and effective control of firearms and explosives, the CMO said.
The unit should also strengthen BOC’s enforcement capability by seeking the cooperation and support of other customs administrations and other international enforcement organizations in gathering intelligence on the trafficking of firearms and explosives.
It should also make proper coordination with district collectors and other concerned offices within BOC in monitoring and controlling imported and exported firearms and explosives. – Roumina Pablo
