ILOILO City – The Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) directed city and provincial directors and police chiefs to intensify the campaign against the proliferation of loose firearms.
Police Brigadier General Leo Francisco echoed the directive of Philippine National Police (PNP) chief General Rodolfo Azurin to intensify the crackdown on loose firearms to keep streets safe from criminals and to ensure peace and order this holiday season.
Prior to Azurin’s order, the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) had already launched “Oplan SIGABONG” – a campaign against loose firearms in line with their “Birada Semana” simultaneous police operations.
“Loose firearms, including homemade firearms, are commonly used in the commission of crimes. Even before our PNP chief instructed to intensify the campaign against loose firearms, we already launched our project,” Aliño said.
Those caught with homemade guns will be charged under Republic Act 10591, or the Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition.
Loose firearm is an unregistered firearm, an obliterated or altered firearm, a firearm that has been lost or stolen, illegally manufactured firearms, registered firearms in the possession of an individual other than the licensee, and those with revoked licenses.
The law provides for a penalty of not less than six years imprisonment.
The province’s top cop also said a monetary reward of P10,000 will be given for any positive information on the sale or manufacture of loose firearms.
“We assure that such information or tip shall be considered strictly confidential,” Aliño added./PN
