In Cebu City Baragays during Oplan Magnum: Guns seized

CEBU, Philippines —  At least 40 firearms were seized by the Mobile Force Company of the Cebu City Police Office during the implementation of Oplan Magnum from November 28 to 29, 2019 in eight barangays in the city.

The operation was carried out in the mountain barangays of Buhisan, Sudlon 1, Sudlon II, Buot-Taop, Sapangdako, Bonbon, and Sinsin, and the mountainous areas in Barangay Guadalupe.

Lt. Col. Randy Korret, commander of the Mobile Force Company, said Oplan Magnum is in line with the PNP’s campaign against loose firearms.

The team went to the eight barangays following information that there are residents there who are in possession of unlicensed firearms.

Korret’s team confiscated four caliber 30 bolt snipers, 17 caliber 38 revolvers, three caliber 22 rifles, two M1 caliber rifles, two improvised shotguns, two caliber 45 pistols, a 12GA shotgun, three caliber 5.56 pistols, a caliber 357 revolver, three caliber 22 revolver, 1 9mm pistol, and a caliber 22 revolver.

The team also confiscated 41 assorted bullets, a rifle grenade, and an MK2 hand grenade.

Korret said many of those who surrendered their guns said they only inherited the firearms from their grandparents.

The owners also said they used the guns to fend off those who try to steal their animal and to defend themselves against the New People’s Army (NPA).

Some owners, Korret said, decided to turn their guns over to authorities because their areas are now safe.

Korret encouraged those still in possession of unlicensed guns to surrender their firearms or to have them registered properly. JMO (FREEMAN)