Bedol may be charged with illegal possession of firearms – PNP

By Ronron
June 26, 2007

The Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Tuesday that Maguindanao Election Supervisor Atty. Lintang Bedol may be charged with illegal possession of firearms if they can ascertain that he owns firearms that are not licensed with its Firearms and Explosives Division (FED).

FED Director Chief Supt. Florencio Caccam said based on records, Bedol is only authorized to own two firearms – one short and one long.

In a television interview, Bedol claimed he owns a Magnum .357, four pistols and some 20 baby Armalites. He also claimed he used to own an Uzi but he gave it to his mother.

“If indeed he has more than the allowed number of firearms, then he could be charged with illegal possession of firearms or violation of Presidential Decree 1866,” Caccam said of Bedol.

Caccam even pointed out that the PNP can only allow 10 firearms at the most, with the approval of the chief PNP.

He said any local police which has jurisdiction over Bedol can initiate investigation against him for said crime.

If any investigation would prosper, Caccam said the local police can utilize the certification from FED regarding Bedol’s licensed firearms.

Bedol is on the hot seat because of alleged irregularities in the recently concluded elections in Maguindanao.

He claims he owns his personal armory because of threats against his life./DMS