ILOILO City – The Police Regional Office 6’s (PRO-6) various police units have retrieved 4,677 firearms since January this year. These had expired registrations or were homemade.
Of these firearms, 2,189 were surrendered voluntarily by their holders while 2,488 were confiscated in police operations.
According to PRO-6 spokesperson Police Lieutenant Colonel Joem Malong, some owners of these guns also did not have licenses or permits to carry firearms outside of residence.
“We are warning holders of loose guns across the region. Surrender your firearms. If you do, no criminal charges would be filed against you,” said Malong.
On the other hand, those who continue harboring loose guns would be subjected to police operations, she said, and charged with violating Republic Act 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act).
In Iloilo province since September, the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) was able to retrieve 87 firearms (either confiscated or surrendered).
“I noticed several shooting incidents so I ordered my men to intensify their operation against loose firearms. This is one way of preventing crimes,” said IPPO director, Police Colonel Roland Vilela./PN
