CIDG chief Director Jesus Verzosa said the toy guns were seized in a raid on 168 Mall in Divisoria, Manila yesterday.
Chinese nationals Kim Wee Lee, Dung See Ang, Xia Men We and Suan Hai Ya — all residents of Binondo, Manila — were arrested shortly after the raid.
Verzosa noted that they have been receiving information that unscrupulous traders have been selling smuggled expensive toy guns in Divisoria, considered the country’s shopping capital.
He ordered Senior Superintendent Christopher Laxa, CIDG deputy chief for Intelligence, to investigate and set up a surveillance.
After confirming the information, Laxa secured five search warrants from Judge Cielito Grulla of Manila Regional Trial Court branch 29 for the raid.
Verzosa stressed that the Philippine National Police have been concerned that airsoft guns — which use compressed gas cylinders to fire plastic pellets — might be used in crimes because they look like real guns.
Each fetches P3,000 to P8,000 depending on the model.
"These firearms might fall into the wrong hands," said Chief Superintendent Pedro Tango, CIDG deputy chief. "You can use this in robberies."
The PNP Firearms and Explosives Division has classified airsoft guns as air guns and should be used only in war game venues.
Verzosa said the suspects, who are now detained at the CIDG, face charges of illegal possession firearms replica and smuggling for failing to produce documents proving that the guns were legally imported.
Verzosa vowed to intensify operations against smuggling. Authorities anticipate a smuggling upsurge because of the holidays. — With Rochelle Deano