LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – The Police Regional Police Office-Cordillera seized 1,201 guns and nabbed 73 violators last year in line with the intensified campaign of the Philippine National Police against loose firearms.
The Regional Operations Division said the Abra Police Provincial Office seized 371 loose firearms, followed by the Benguet PPO with 160, Kalinga PPO, 145; Mountain Province PPO, 138; Baguio City Police Office, 136; Ifugao PPO, 131, and Apayao PPO, 120.
It said that 1,106 guns were voluntarily surrendered by individuals and stakeholders. Sixty-seven were confiscated and 28 were recovered during police operations.
The Abra PPO arrested 33 gun violators, followed by Kalinga PPO with 23, Baguio City Police Office, seven; Apayao PPO and Mountain Province PPO, four each, and Benguet PPO and Ifugao PPO, one each.
The PRO-Cordillera said loose firearms are unregistered, altered, lost, stolen, or illegally manufactured guns. These include registered firearms held by unauthorized individuals or those whose licenses have been revoked as per regulations.
PRO-Cordillera chief Police Brig. Gen. David Peredo said these accomplishments were the result of the continuous conduct of police operations in the region and proactive community engagement through dialogue with residents.