ILOILO City – As part of the preparations for the upcoming May 2022 elections, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) in Western Visayas is beefing up its campaign against loose firearms.
Unlicensed firearms may be used to harass and intimidate political candidates, according Police Colonel Gervacio Balmaceda, chief of CIDG-6.
“There’s also a possibility these will be used by criminal gangs who will offer their services to candidates as goons,” Balmaceda said.
“We are doubling our time to run after gun runners,” he added.
Manufacturers of locally-made firearms have also been warned.
The filing of certificates of candidacy would be on Oct. 1 to 8.
Last month, 16 gun holders voluntarily surrendered their firearms to the police stations.
These included eight units of 12-gauge shotgun, two .45-caliber pistols and six units of .38-caliber revolver.
All firearms were under the custody of the provincial field units of CIDG.
“They observed our soft-hand approach without the police serving them search warrants,” Balmaceda said.
The CIDG is appealing for public cooperation.
Those who knew of somebody possessing unlicensed firearms may reach the authorities through these contact numbers: (033) 3272299 and 09687046507 or email them at rcidu6@yahoo.com or any local police stations
Earlier, Philippine National Police Chief, Police General Guillermo Eleazar directed his men to make their security plans in preparation for the upcoming elections./PN
