Underground gun industry up as election fever starts

CANDON CITY – The multi-million underground gun running industry in northern Luzon is perking up with the start of the election season.

One gun dealer, a retired policeman, has been asking around for a supplier of a caliber 30 machine gun supposedly being sought by an Ilocos Norte politician.

 "Illegal guns are really in, especially automatic rifles," said another gun dealer who refused to be named. 

 Besides the secrecy, politicans want to acquire these weapons fast.

 From a very slow "business" in the past year, the gunrunning business has picked up again, said the 45-year-old gunrunner.

A unit of unlicensed assault standard Elisco brand Armalite rifle (M16, 5.56 caliber) could fetch about P65,000, while a  unit of US brand standard Colt M16 rifle, which is already rare these days,  could be acquired for at least P100,000.

 A week ago, a re-electionist from the Cordillera purchased an unlicensed Israel-made Ghalil rifle (5.56mm) from the “black market”.  It had cost the politician P120,000. 

 Months ago, an illegally shipped caliber 30 machine gun from Mindanao was reportedly purchased by a Pangasinan mayoralty bet.

 Several months ago also, 10 units of baby armalite were acquired by an Abra politician from various sources. 

 Rather than going to licensed gun stores, those seeking to pile up their arms for the upcoming polls go to the black market because they may acquire various weapons quick and without a trace,  said another gunrunner source. 

 A Norinco-brand M4 (M16 variant) costs P75,000 from a licensed gun dealer or store.  Acquiring a license for such will cost another P8,000 and will take about a month to process.

 A Czech-made CZ858 (AK 47 variant) costs P60,000 from licensed gun stores. The buyer would also have to wait for a month to take home the gun from legal gun dealers who have become stricter in implementing purchasing and possession rules.

 Apparently, prices even in the underground market have risen and supplies have been depleting fast  compared to several months ago when a “defaced Elisco baby armalite (M16)" would be sold at a maximum of P35,000. 

 "But now, even without seeing the rifle, (the weapon would be sold) double its previous price," said "Bravo", a gun dealer in Baguio City. – Artemio Dumlao

 One gun dealer, a retired policeman, has been asking around for a supplier of a caliber 30 machine gun supposedly being sought by an Ilocos Norte politician.

"Illegal guns are really in, especially automatic rifles" said another gun dealer who refused to be named.

Besides the secrecy, politicans want to acquire these weapons fast.

From a very slow "business" in the past year, the gunrunning business has picked up again, said the 45-year-old gunrunner.

A unit of unlicensed assault standard Elisco brand Armalite rifle (M16, 5.56 caliber) could fetch about P65,000, while a unit of US brand standard Colt M16 rifle, which is already rare these days, could be acquired for at least P100,000.

A week ago, a re-electionist from the Cordillera purchased an unlicensed Israel-made Ghalil rifle (5.56mm) from the “black market”. It had cost the politician P120,000.

Months ago, an illegally shipped caliber 30 machine gun from Mindanao was reportedly purchased by a Pangasinan mayoralty bet.

Several months ago also, 10 units of baby armalite were acquired by an Abra politician from various sources.

Rather than going to licensed gun stores, those seeking to pile up their arms for the upcoming polls go to the black market because they may acquire various weapons quick and without a trace, said another gunrunner source.

A Norinco-brand M4 (M16 variant) costs P75,000 from a licensed gun dealer or store. Acquiring a license for such will cost another P8,000 and will take about a month to process.

A Czech-made CZ858 (AK 47 variant) costs P60,000 from licensed gun stores. The buyer would also have to wait for a month to take home the gun from legal gun dealers who have become stricter in implementing purchasing and possession rules.

Apparently, prices even in the underground market have risen and supplies have been depleting fast compared to several months ago when a “defaced Elisco baby  armalite (M16)" would be sold at a maximum of P35,000.

"But now, even without seeing the rifle, [the weapon would be sold] double its previous price," said "Bravo", a gun dealer in Baguio City.