By Jose Jemuel Dael
Isulan, Sultan Kudarat – A total of 427 loose firearms and assorted ammunitions were turned over to the Sultan Kudarat Police Provincial Office (SKPPO) yesterday.
The surrendered firearms were a combination of 119 high-powered firearms and 229 low-powered firearms owned by the local government units (LGU) of Columbio, Esperanza, Isulan, Lambayong, Palimbang, President Quirino and Tacurong.
Chief Supt. Marcelo Mendoza, regional director of Police Regional Office 12, said the turn-over and accounting of illegal weapons were part of the efforts of the Philippine National Police (PNP) to curb criminality and prevent civilians from owning high-powered firearms.
"These unlicensed guns or with an expired license will be in the custody of the PNP pending the processing of documents and licenses. It will be returned only after the necessary documents are secured," he said during the ceremony turnover and accounting of loose firearms in Camp AmandoM Dumlao Sr. in Isulan.
Mendoza said that President Rodrigo Duterte ordered them to recover illegal weapons and make the community a gun-free and peaceful society.
He then urged the public to turn over their illegal firearms or secure the necessary permits from the PNP to legalize ownership of their guns.
"There is a process for this. Please comply," he said.
He also expressed his gratitude to the attending LGU officials for their support to the campaign against loose firearms.