Legazpi City ––Barely five months before the synchronized national and local elections, the Philippine National Police in Bicol seized 1,254 loose firearms across the Bicol region, Police Major Maria Luisa “Malu” Calubaquib, regional spokesperson said.
She said that the PNP Bicol aggressive campaign against loose firearms netted 1,254 firearms this year.
“The Bicol police regional office 5 continue to score big on its intensified operation against loose firearms. This can be attributed on the confiscation of 1,254 assorted undocumented small arms and light weapons beginning January 1 to November 30, 2021,” Claubaquib said.
“This significant win resulted from the pervasive efforts of the members of PRO5 to capture those involved in the rampant use and sale of illegal firearms. This initiative is a way to bring services of the PNP closer to the community,” the PNP Bicol spokesperson said.
In relation to the forthcoming election on May 9, 2022, Calubaquib said the PNP regional command has intensified its campaign on loose firearms as a proactive approach to preempt various lawlessness and criminalities with the use of unregistered guns.
“The significant stride is reflective of the strong commitment of Police Brig. Gen. Jonnel C. Estomo to maintain the safety of all the Bicolanos and to ensure that police are seen, appreciated and felt by offering extraordinary services to the people it has sworn to serve and protect,” Calubaquib said.
In total, 1,423 operations have been conducted all over the region with 527 arrested while 290 were filed cases in court for violating RA 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
The operations included 317 implementation of search warrants; 21 checkpoints; 19 service of warrant of arrests; 7 oplan bakal/sita; 476 police response; and 583 oplan katok.
Of the apprehended persons, 516 were civilians; 10 were government officials; one in the military service; one member of the police; and one foreign national.
Meanwhile, 1,936 firearms were turned-over to the different police stations for safekeeping. During the given period, PRO5 also launched several caravans to cater the processing of the License to Own and Possess Firearms.
(By: Raydes Barcia)