Batangas cop charged over missing guns

MANILA, Philippines — A police officer accused of stealing 44 firearms at a police station in Tanauan City, Batangas was charged with qualified theft.

Pat. Mark Jay Lirio has not reported for duty at the Batangas provincial police office, where he was reassigned following the filing of charges, according to Tanauan police chief Lt. Col. Victor Sobrepeña.

Lirio allegedly took 44 assorted guns with expired licenses surrendered by their owners to the police station.

He reportedly pawned one of the firearms, a .9mm pistol, to a police officer.

The firearms were reported missing during an internal audit on July 24.

Sobrepeña said initial investigation showed Lirio was hooked on illegal gambling.