Pangasinan police reins in 3,929 firearms
IN PREPARATION FOR 2025 POLLS
THE Pangasinan Police Provincial Office (PPO) held a ceremonial turnover of confiscated and surrendered firearms and those that have expired licenses as part of ongoing efforts to ensure a peaceful 2025 national and local elections last week on November 11.
P/Col. Rollyfer Capoquian, police director of Pangasinan, said that as of November 2024, 3,929 firearms were accounted for, including 1,542 assorted weapons in police custody and 1,368 shotguns deposited by local government units.
He said this is a continuing initiative i of the PNP’s Revitalized Oplan Katok, a campaign to reduce the number of loose firearms circulating in the community, particularly those used by gun-for-hire groups, and reduce the threat of election-related violence.
The firearms were collected through voluntary submissions, police operations, and the enforcement of stricter regulations.
Some of those presented were seized as far back as 2016, but these were formally turned over only to the Regional Civil Security Unit (RCSU) on Monday.
“These firearms that you are seeing this morning are the results of our extensive campaign to contain the proliferation of loose firearms, including those that are unlicensed, in order to maintain a peaceful atmosphere prior to, during, and after elections,” Capoquian said.
The firearms, which include both licensed and unlicensed weapons, will be turned over to the RCSU for proper disposal, with some slated for demilitarization.
P/ Brig.Gen. Lou Evangelista, Police Regional Office 1 director, said the ceremonial turnover “symbolizes our collective dedication to maintaining a safe environment for every Filipino, especially during the upcoming electoral period”. (Eva Visperas)
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