‘Gun smugglers’ did not pass through detectors

CEBU, Philippines — Through a CCTV footage review, the management of the Cebu South Bus Terminal (CSBT) has found out how the three suspected gun smugglers were able to bring in firearms into the terminal without having arrested.

As earlier reported, three people from Danao City were arrested last Saturday afternoon at the port in Samboan town which resulted in the confiscation of 46 unregistered firearms about to be shipped to Dipolog City.

The suspects were identified as Evelino Cubol, 36; his wife, Floramae, 37; and Maria Bella Manit, 54, all residents of Barangay Suba, Danao City.

CSBT Manager Joey Herrera said that there were two male suspects who boarded a motorcycle with their backpacks on and went inside the terminal where the woman, Floramae, was already waiting inside. The bags did not pass through the metal detectors.

The bags were found to be topped with brassieres and other undergarments to discourage further inspection. The footage showed that one of the men drove the motorcycle out of the terminal. Yesterday, the management found out that the motorcycle was parked at a convenience store across CSBT.

The management has asked the help of the Land Transportation Office and found out that the motorcycle belonged to one of the male suspects.

A parking attendant said that someone comes every day and pays for the parking fee so they did not suspect that the motorcycle was used for illegal activities.

The smuggled guns were believed to be shipped to Zamboanga because the suspects allegedly inquired from a CSBT staff if there were direct trips to the said destination.

When the staff member affirmed and said that the luggage will have to be inspected one by one first, the three suspects boarded a bus bound for Bato port instead.

Herrera said that the bags were not thoroughly checked as they were already inside the terminal.

He said, oftentimes, luggage that are too big to be slit open are no longer checked before they are boarded to the buses and that blue guards are not too keen on inspecting the specific contents of the bag.

He continued that CSBT's security is also 'undermanned' after the policemen assigned at the terminal were all recalled last month. He said that security was tight back then because there were K9 units and more security personnel who can check the items.

Installation of baggage scanners like those in airports is one of the long-term solutions eyed by the terminal management.

However, Herrera explained that it will take some time before it will be actualized considering the cost and studying that the implementation will be effective.

With the present situation, he said that installing digital scanners in the entrances will not be sufficient as there are other 'loopholes' or other means to enter the terminals without passing through the main passenger gates.

Herrera said he also need a consultant as he is no expert in security proofing of the terminal. (FREEMAN)