Police seize almost 100 loose firearms

CEBU, Philippines — At least 93 unregistered firearms were confiscated by the Regional Mobile Force Battalion in Central Visayas (RMFB-7) following their tightened campaign measure against such.

Police Lt. Col. Ronan Claravall, RMFB-7 force commander, said on Friday, they initiated the campaign to prevent loose firearms from being used against all forms of criminalities.

He said the measure was one of Chief Philippine National Police (PNP) General Rodolfo Azurin Jr.'s top priorities since he was inaugurated in August this year.

Of the 93 loose firearms that were confiscated and surrendered, nine were improvised shotguns, 54 caliber .38 revolvers, two caliber 9mm revolvers, 10 caliber 22 revolvers, six caliber .45 pistols, 10 caliber 5.56 revolvers-frontier, and a rifle caliber 7.62.

Claravall said they really aimed to emphasize their campaign against loose firearms and continue implementing the "Oplan Katok," a program of the PNP wherein they will conduct house-to-house visits on individuals suspected owners of loose firearms.

"We encourage our people who are holding this loose firearms na i-surrender na nila kasi once nahuli malaki yung magkakaproblema po tayo, just like I’ve said loose firearms po yan, maaring gamitin po sa ating tropa, pwedeng ibenta, pwedeng gamitin sa criminal activities hindi po natin maiiwasan po yan that’s why our personnel especially on the ground is doubling its efforts in the fight against loose firearms," said Claravall.

He said the police, in coordination with the local government units (LGUs), would help those who surrender their weapons.

The RMFB-7 has five maneuver companies--701st maneuver company in Bogo City, the 702nd maneuver company in the City of Loon, Province of Bohol; the 703rd in Mantalongon, Dalaguete, Cebu; the 704th in Mabinay and the 705th in Sta. Catalina, both in Negros Oriental, and the Technical Support Company in Sibonga, Cebu. — Robhe Jane Yara and Romeo D. Marantal, GMR (FREEMAN)