PRO9 Intensifies Campaign against Loose Firearms

ZAMBOANGA CITY (April 9, 2019)  – The Police Regional Office 9 has rounded up some 1, 916 unlicensed and undocumented firearms from the period of January 1, 2018 – April 1, 2019 following its intensified and strengthened drive against loose firearms to prevent election-related violence in the region.

Police Brigadier General Emmanuel Luis D Licup, PRO9 Director said that of the 1, 916 seized firearms, 517 were confiscated after the service of search warrants and other police operations against unauthorized individuals, while 1, 399 guns were surrendered to the police by private individuals, barangay officials and local candidates who had expired and unrenewed licenses.

Police Brigadier General Emmanuel Luis D Licup stressed out that these loose firearms could potentially be used for violence and crimes in election-related violence leading to the Midterm election this coming May 9, 2019.

Meanwhile, PBGEN Emmanuel Luis D Licup calls for private individuals, barangay officials, local candidates who have unlicensed guns or with expired license to surrender their firearms, otherwise, case build-up operation will be conducted upon them.

The PRO9 Director has also ordered all police units of PRO9 to be proactive in the drive against persons with loose firearms and to step up its campaign against loose firearms. (By JONG CADION with PRO9 PIO PR)