Central Visayas police step up drive against loose firearms

By Calvin Cordova

CEBU CITY–As the campaign period for local candidates nears, police will intensify the campaign against loose firearms.

Philippine National Police (MANILA BULLETIN)

Authorities have started encouraging gun owners to surrender firearms with expired licenses. The move is meant to prevent gun-related violence in the May 13 elections, police said.

At least 400 firearms have been turned over to the various police offices in Central Visayas, according to Chief Supt. Debold Sinas, regional police chief.

“These firearms are either unlicensed or have expired licenses. Some of them are owned by politicians,” he said.

Sinas said the police “can trace those gun owners whose licenses have expired.” He added: “Those firearms with expired licenses are already considered loose firearms. As soon as the campaign period starts, we will coordinate with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) on how will we go about it.”

He reminded gun owners, especially politicians, not to bring their firearms even if they are licensed.

“The permit to carry is suspended while the election gun ban is in effect but they can apply for exemption at the Comelec,” said Sinas.

Sinas said gun owners should surrender loose firearms right away and not wait for the police to check on them.

“We will not be issuing warnings once the intensified campaigns. We will surprise them with raids so they better surrender those firearms now,” Sinas said.

Sinas said security agencies will also be included in the close monitoring.

“There are security guards who are issued with unlicensed firearms or those guns called paltik,” said Sinas.

He warned of stiff penalties for those caught violating the Republic Act 10591 and the election gun ban.