Philippines police 'pawned guns'

Police regularly complain of poor pay and conditions

Six policemen in the southern Philippines are facing the sack after they allegedly pawned their pistols.

The local police chief in central Mindanao, German Doria, said the incidents came to light after the guns turned up during a raid on a pawnshop.

If found guilty, the six men face charges of grave misconduct and dismissal from the police force.

"How can police officers carry out their missions if they don't have guns?" Mr Doria said.

Police in the Philippines are regularly accused of incompetance and corruption, especially in rural areas.

Police groups blame poor pay and working conditions for many of the problems.