PNP probers to look into ‘defective’ firearms used by SAF at Mamasapano clash

The Philippine National Police (PNP) will look into the condition of the M203 grenade launchers used by the Special Action Force during the January 25 Mamasapano clash as part of its investigation.

In his live report on “Balitanghali,” GMA News' Ian Cruz said that the investigation, being conducted by the Board of Inquiry (BOI), will start from a testimony given by Supt. Raymond Train, a survivor of the hours-long firefight, who said some of their M203s became defective during the incident.

The report also quoted PNP spokesman Chief Supt. Generoso Cerbo Jr. as saying that all equipment given to police officers, particularly to SAF members, undergo testing and quality check before they are approved.



PNP officer-in-charge Gen. Leonardo Espina said he has also heard reports on the alleged defective firearms.

“Tingnan muna natin kasi may cyclic rate 'yan. 'Yung parang granada na propelled by a rifle, that's what you call an M203. Tingnan natin kung full na ba 'yung cycle for it to be armed... Pina-review ko na 'yan sa director for logistics because it was already raised also," Espina told reporters at the sidelines of the PNP's 24th Foundation Day.

For his part, National Capital Region Police Office chief Dir. Carmelo Valmoria said the SAF is given "special equipment" since they are the elite force of the PNP.

"Ang gamit ng SAF, 'yon ang pinakamagaling na gamit among PNP units throughout the country kasi involved sila sa counter-terrorism," he said.

"'Yon ang elite force ng PNP, so when it comes to procurement, may special equipment talaga ang SAF," Valmoria added. —Rose-An Jessica Dioquino/KBK, GMA News