CIRCULAR NO. 47-98 September 11, 1998
TO: ALL JUDGES AND CLERKS OF COURTS OF THE REGIONAL TRIAL COURTS, SHARI'A DISTRICTS COURTS, METROPOLITAN TRIAL COURTS, MUNICIPAL TRIAL COURTS IN CITIES, MUNICIPAL TRIAL COURTS, MUNICIPAL CIRCUIT TRIAL COURTS AND SHARI'A CIRCUIT COURTS
SUBJECT: DISPOSITION OF FIREARM, AMMUNITION OR EXPLOSIVE IN CUSTODIA LEGIS
In an earlier issuance (CIR NO. 2 dtd. 5/13/83), the Court directed all clerks of courts "to turn over, effective immediately, to the nearest Constabulary Command all firearms in your custody after the cases involving such firearms shall have been terminated. In Metro Manila, the firearms may be turned over to the Firearms and Explosives Unit at Camp Crame, Quezon City, while in the provinces, the firearms may be turned over to the respective PC Provincial Commands."
Recently, Roberto T. Lastimoso, Police Director, Acting Chief PNP- Chairman, National Law Enforcement Coordinating Committee, requested that PNP CIR. NO. 5 Par. 6 (7) dtd. September 5, 1994, which reiterates in substance the preceding directive, be given widest dissemination to all courts.
In response, we are reproducing the pertinent portion of said Circular, as a reminder and for the information and guidance of all concerned:
7. Firearms being used as evidence in courts will only be turned-in to FEO (now Firearms and Explosives Division) upon the termination of the cases or when it is no longer needed as evidence.
Strict compliance herewith is enjoined.
September 11, 1998.
(Sgd.) ALFREDO L. BENIPAYO
Court Administrator
The Lawphil Project - Arellano Law Foundation
