The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has formed a new unit that will scrutinize and monitor the importation of firearms and explosives into the country to prevent violence and criminality using illegally purchased guns.
Customs commissioner Yogi Filemon Ruis issued a customs memorandum order creating the Customs Firearms and Explosives Unit (CFEU) that would supervise, examine and monitor the importation and exportation of small and light firearms and ammunition.
“The CMO No. 27-2022 states that the unit will be responsible for policies and procedures in line with Republic Act No. 10591 or the “Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunitions and Providing Penalties for Violation Thereof.” The BOC said.
Ruiz said the creation of CFEU is part of the bureau’s efforts to stop the gun smuggling to ensure that the Philippines remains a peaceful and progressive country that is not threatened by armed violence.
According to the Philippine National Police (PNP), selling and smuggling of illegal firearms are one of the most common crimes in the Philippines.
The Customs Chief said that the creation of the new unit was part of the mandate of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr..
“The CFEU is an ad interim unit that will effectively monitor the importation and exportation of firearms and major/minor parts thereof, accessories, ammunition, and controlled chemicals used in manufacturing ammunition, firecrackers, and explosives under Presidential Decree No. 1866,” the BOC said in a statement.
The CFEU will coordinate with the Enforcement and Security Service at 12 ports of entry to accomplish its task, said the BOC.