Dealer says he sold Ampatuans weaponry worth P6 M in cash

The gun dealer that surfaced on Wednesday claimed that he sold high-powered firearms to members of the Ampatuan clan, in a cash transaction worth P6 million, even as he denied involvement in the gory massacre of 57 people in Maguindanao two weeks ago. Cris Aquino told GMA News' Mariz Umali in an interview that the Arroyo-allied family became his client twice. During the first transaction, the family allegedly bought 50 Bushmaster M4A3 5.56-mm rifles that cost P120,000 each. Aquino did not state when the transactions took place and who among the Ampatuans were involved, but said the guns were paid in cash.

It was not clear how the weapons were actually used, but under the deed of sale that was signed by Maguindanao police director Senior Superintendent Lemala Bagunting, the provincial police would be the end user of the firearms, Aquino said. In a second transaction, Aquino said a certain Nestor P. Chio, supply officer of the Maguindanao police, signed the Ampatuans’ application for firearms. The family also has complete documents to transport the firearms, he said. Aquino said he sold the guns in good faith. He said he was informed that the Ampatuans, whose patriarch Andal Sr. is provincial governor, would use the arsenal to fight Moro rebels, who were allegedly committing terrorism in Maguindanao. “Itong mga baril na ito binenta ko ito sa province ng Maguindanao malinis ang konsensya ko na ito gagamtin sa mabuting paraan laban terorista," he said, adding that the transactions underwent legal procedures. Aquino said that he is open to undergo investigation because none of the firearms that were uncovered from Ampatuan homes were purchased from him.
For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV For its part, the Philippine National Police (PNP) Firearms and Explosives Division chief Superintendent Alfredo Caballes cleared Aquino and said the transaction underwent proper procedures. "Wala akong nakikita na liability doon sa mga licensed suppliers (I don't see any liability on the part of the licensed suppliers). It underwent the procedures. Ang nakikita ko diyan na defects or flaws ay doon sa nagreceive na unit (The defects or flaws I see are on the part of the receiving unit)," said Caballes. He added that administrative sanctions would be imposed against police officials who are responsible for any lapses in the purchase of firearms. – Aie Balagtas See/JV, GMANews.TV