NATIONAL PLAN OF ACTION IN COMBATTING

SMUGGLING OF FIREARMS

 

 

The syndicate group maintains that significant measures must be taken by the Philippines to deal with the myriad of issues and concerns emanating from the Trafficking of Firearms.

 

Smuggling of Firearms remains a pressing concern for the Philippines and the ASEAN region. As such, collaborative and cooperative measures are essential to address this transnational threat.

 

The group noted that the areas of database development, information exchange and inter-agency cooperation comprise the three stages of what can considered a single process, which themselves involves several phases.

 

 

DATABASE DEVELOPMENT

 

·        The first phase entails the establishment of a central repository of all information pertaining to Fire Arms trafficking. The Philippine Center on Transnational Crime is seen to be the appropriate agency to lead to be supported by the Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines and other agencies.

 

·        Compilation of national and international laws on firearms smuggling and trafficking. The PNP, DOJ, Customs, Philpost and NGO’s, such as PROGUN and AFAD should cooperate in this endeavor. The  PCTC was identified to be the lead agency for this particular activity. The group recommended the crafting and presentation of position papers on Firearms trafficking by concerned agencies such as the PCTC.

 

·        Establishment of a directory of experts and technical advisers and consultants in anti-firearms smuggling operations, including academic research.  This directory shall be regularly updated. The PCTC was suggested to undertake this activity.

 

·        Finally, the group pointed out that database development necessitates the institutionalization of information exchange to sustain the requirements of a centralized base. This can be facilitated by the drafting and signing of Memoranda Of Agreement. Firearms Smuggling Monitoring Center (FAMC) may also be established to be composed of the PCTC, PNP, AFP, DOJ, and NICA.

 

 

 

INFORMATION EXCHANGE

 

·        Conduct of joint research activities on firearms trafficking, including the technical aspects. Joint research aimed at identifying smuggling routes was noted to be crucial in arresting trafficking of firearms. Proper inventory of loose and licensed firearms belonging to the government and private sectors and individual should be done on a regular basis, preferably every six months. Again the PCTC was seen as the appropriate agency to lead in this venture, with the involvement of the PNP, AFP, BOC, DOJ, NDCP, and NICA.

 

  • Conduct of typology studies to determine trends and modus operandi of firearms traffickers. This endeavor would involve the aforementioned agencies and shall be conducted quarterly.

 

INTER-AGENCY COOPERATION

 

·        Development of the organizational structure and SOP’s joint operation, joint research and information exchange. The group proposed the establishment of a Firearms Smuggling Monitoring Center (FAMC) that will serve as a clearinghouse for this type of TNC. Tasked agencies include the PCTC, as the lead agency, and the AFP, PNP, DOJ and other concerned agencies. These have to be accomplished within 6 months.

 

·        Increasing the frequency of inter agency-coordinating meetings through established channels on a quarterly basis.

 

·        Promotion of efficient and effective networking among relevant agencies and organizations to enhance information exchange. It is recommended that committees be established which include the private sector.

 

LEGAL MATTERS

 

  • Draft, submit and lobby laws that will criminalize firearms smuggling/trafficking, with the PCTC, DOJ and related NGO’s in a period of 3-6 months
  • Harmonize and review all relevant policies, issuances, and circulars under the auspices of the DOJ, PCTC and relevant NGO’s.
  • Develop an integrated and coordinated mechanism for an effective prosecution of traffickers. Agencies involved are the PNP, AFP, DOJ, and PCTC in a period of 3-6 months.

 

LAW ENFORCEMENT AND CAPACITY BUILDING

 

  • Maintain a pool of trained personnel in anti-firearms smuggling/trafficking operations. This would necessitate the coordination among the PCTC, PNP, AFP, BOC, DOF, and the Philpost. It was recommended that personnel be trained specifically in handling such cases.
  • Develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s) or Memorandums of Understanding (MOU’s) for joint operations with the time frame of 3-6 months.
  • Review and evaluate SOP’s and MOU’s yearly.
  • Maintain close coordination and expand the areas of cooperation between and among law enforcement agencies, NGO’s, PO’s, prosecution and judicial authorities. It is deemed important to conduct these activities in a quarterly basis with the PCTC as the lead agency. It was recommended that possible committees be established among relevant agencies.

 

Meanwhile, the group identified several relevant measures for Capacity building, which include the following:

 

  • Identification, assessment and development of training requirements for each relevant agency. The PCTC will be the lead agency, with the involvement of the PNP, DFA and the DOJ for a duration of 3-6 months.
  • The group believes that it is significant to develop training programs under the helm of the PCTC, AFP and the PNP with a time frame of 3-6 months
  • The group also noted that it is essential to work for the acquisition of needed equipment for training and operations.
  • Conduct echo training, seminars, and conferences, which also include the presentation of case studies from selected agencies. A quarterly seminar/workshop in order of battle/target list of firearms syndicate was proposed. This will involve the PCTC, AFP and the PNP.
  • Tap and avail the services of local and international TNC experts for trainor’s training which may be undertaken on a quarterly basis.

 

REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION

 

  • Draft programs for effective implementation of regional and international conventions and agreements. Related agencies shall initiate in a semestral basis and participate whenever the opportunity arises.  Specific activities cited were the RP-Canada and Japan connection on Firearms and the STIMP/ASEAN trilateral agreement.
  • Intensify negotiations with concerned countries or jurisdiction in forging bilateral or multilateral agreements and formulate operational concepts          in combating TNC’s, to be conducted on a continuing basis.
  • Support undertakings of state or non-state organizations on a continuing basis.

 

PUBLIC AWARENESS

 

  • Design of communication plans and advocacy programs with the help of the media. The PCTC should serve as the coordinating agency. This should be undertaken within the period of 3-6 months.
  • Establishment of a reward system.
  • Provision for public education by integrating related subjects in the curriculum, with the assistance of DECS and CHED.
  • Development of out-reach programs, whether through partnerships, cost sharing, etc., for local government units with the DILG as the lead agency.
  • Evaluate plan of action.
  • Explore innovative sources of funds.
  • Regularly assess activities and policies made to address smuggling of firearms. 

 

Ultimately, the group maintains that although there is a need to conduct all aforementioned measures to address firearms smuggling, the realities of resource constraints may deem it unfeasible. Hence, in order to highlight the key concerns in arresting firearms smuggling, the group chooses to determine short-term, 3-6 months, priority measures. These are:

 

  • Legal matters (legal countermeasures and offensives)
  • Public awareness programs
  • And lastly, database development