CEBU CITY – More than 100 unlicensed firearms were surrendered from January to June this year as part of the intensified campaign against loose firearms by the police.
One-hundred thirty-nine firearms, including one hand grenade and a rifle grenade, were turned over Thursday, July 1, by the Regional Mobile Force Battalion-Central Visayas (RMFB Region 7) to the Regional Civil Security Unit for proper disposition.
Police Col. Robert Lingbawan, chief of the RMFB Region 7, said several owners of unlicensed firearms answered their call to turn over their guns to police stations.
Most of the surrendered firearms came from Negros Oriental, Bohol, and Cebu.
Lingbawan said there were indications that the firearms were locally made or those made in Danao City.
He said the surrendered firearms will be subjected to ballistic examination prior to destruction to determine if they had been used in crimes.
Police Brig. Gen. Ronnie Montejo, chief of the Police Regional Office-Central Visayas (PRO Region 7), said the recovery of the unlicensed firearms will have big impact on the region peace and order situation especially with the upcoming national elections. “If we cannot totally stop gun-related violence at least we can minimize it to the lowest level,” Montejo said.
Montejo said those who possess unlicensed guns can still surrender their firearms without facing charges.