CAMP COL. RAFAEL C. RODRIGUEZ, Butuan City – The Police Regional Office-13 seized 22 loose firearms during the implementation of the campaign against loose firearms called “Oplan: Katok” in the Caraga region from July 2 to July 12.
PRO-13 Director Police Brig. Gen. Pablo G. Labra II said these confiscated firearms were a caliber .22, caliber .36, caliber .25, and caliber .45, nine improvised or homemade guns, and nine revolvers.
Among these were firearms turned over by former communist rebels to the government under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP), Labra added.
The PRO-13 Regional Operations Divisions said 12 were surrendered in the provinces of Surigao, eight in Agusan provinces, and two in Butuan City.
Oplan Katok is a Philippine National Police program where police officers visit the houses of gun holders to encourage them to renew their expired licenses or permits to carry. Police will obtain their firearms for safekeeping.
May these figures remind us that owning or possessing a firearm entails responsibility, Labra said.
“Every gun holder is accountable and responsible to follow the provisions of the law.”