[ SC CIRCULAR NO. 47-98, September 11, 1998 ]

[ SC CIRCULAR NO. 47-98, September 11, 1998 ]

[ SC CIRCULAR NO. 47-98, September 11, 1998 ]

TO :

ALL JUDGES AND CLERKS OF COURTS OF THE REGIONAL TRIAL COURTS, SHARI'A DISTRICT 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 preceeding 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. Fireanvs being used as evidence in courts will only be turned-in to FEO (now Firearms and Explosives Division) upon the tennination of the cases or when it is no longer needed as evidence."

Strict compliacnce herewith is enjoined.

September 11, 1998.

(SGD.) ALFREDO L. BENIPAYO

Court Administrator