Surrender loose firearms, gunholders told

MANILA, Philippines — Police yesterday asked owners of firearms whose licenses have expired to voluntarily surrender their guns for “safekeeping” before the midterm elections.

National Capital Region Police Office chief Guillermo ELeazar vowed to help the gunowners to register their firearms.

He denied reports that holders of guns with expired licenses would be charged in court.

“They have to coordinate with the nearest police station and we will go to their place to recover the firearms for temporary safekeeping,” Eleazar said. “We will not file a case against them nor arrest them.”

He said the move is in line with the directive of Philippine National Police chief Director General Oscar Albayalde to account for loose firearms as part of security measures for the midterm polls.