LINGAYEN—The shotguns issued by the provincial government to all barangay captains but were recalled in 2010 remain in the custody of the Pangasinan Police for safekeeping.

P/Chief Inspector Norman Florentino, spokesman of Pangasinan Police Provincial Office (PPPO), told newsmen on July 11 that all the recalled shotguns and turned over to the police stations are all accounted for at the provincial police command.

He said PPPO is waiting for the deed of donation of the shotguns by the provincial government to the provincial police so these can be used by the PNP because these will not be returned to the barangay captains.

It will be recalled that there were 1,308 shotguns given in 2009 by then Gov. Amado Espino Jr to the barangay captains to help them maintain peace and order under the supervision of town police.

Florentino pointed out that in gun licensing, the firearm should be under the name of the possessor, and there are rules to be observed to ensure that the possessor is qualified to bring and use a gun.

“While they were given authority to have the shotgun, still others gave the shotguns to other persons who, however, were not authorized to carry a gun,” Florentino said.

He said the situation created a problem because the barangay captains believed that since they were given the authority to have the shotgun, they had the right to extend the authority to a barangay tanod who was not authorized by PNP.

Florentino said not all are privileged to carry firearm so anyone who wishes to own and possess one must go through the established process.

“All the guns are accounted for otherwise the one who last possessed the missing gun will be charged,” Florentino said.

Turning over the weapons to the police is embodied in the memorandum of agreement covering the issuance of the said firearms. (Eva Visperas)

 

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