CAMP GEN. VICENTE LIM, Calamba City — The Calabarzon police regional office (PRO 4-A) has taken into possession a total of 765 assorted firearms and 1,765 ammunitions since the implementation of Commission on Election Resolution No. 10197, or the “Ban on Bearing, Carrying or Transporting of Firearms or other Deadly Weapons”.
The assorted guns and ammos under the regional police command’s custody were collected at the start of the gun ban on April 14 for the synchronized Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections on May 14.
The ban will be imposed until May 21.
Chief Supt. Guillermo Eleazar, Calabarzon police Regional Director, said during the presentation on Monday at this camp that 638 assorted firearms and 692 ammunitions were turned over for safekeeping by some candidates, barangay officials, businessmen and other civilians.
Eleazar assured that the firearms voluntarily surrendered for safekeeping are in good hands as these are well-documented and will be properly returned to the owners as soon as the ban is lifted.
He said the confiscated firearms, numbering 127 assorted firearms and 1,073 ammunition, were the result of the vigorous checkpoint and other police operations as the Calabarzon Police Regional Office strictly implements the Omnibus Election Code Resolution 3328.
On the other hand, most firearms turned over for safekeeping is the outcome of the trust and good rapport between unit commanders and the candidates, barangay officials and civilian sector.
Eleazar also expressed his appreciation to the candidates for their cooperation; the Comelec for their guidance and assistance; to the AFP for the support; and to all the chiefs of police, provincial directors and the entire personnel of PRO 4-A for the positive result of their efforts in the strict implementation of the gun ban.
“The police force will do everything and will continue to be always prepared to ensure an honest, orderly and safe election. We will not tolerate any irregularities and any violations will be dealt with accordingly,” Eleazar said.
Meanwhile, Secretary Jose Maria Nicomedes “Dennis” F. Hernandez, Presidential Adviser for Southern Tagalog who graced the presentation, expressed his gratitude to the PNP and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for their dynamic efforts.
“Ngayon lang po ako nakakita ng ganito karaming firearms sa aking paglilibot ngayong election period. Akala ko po ay gun show. Nangangahulugan lamang na nananaig ang pagsunod sa ating batas (It is only now that I witnessed this huge collection of firearms in my round of visits during the election period. I thought this is a gun show),” Hernandez said.
Hernandez also commended Eleazar for the accomplishments of the PRO 4-A.
“Ipagpatuloy natin ang pagbabagong ito sa pamumuno ng ating Presidente Duterte (Let us continue the change under the leadership of our President Duterte). The efforts of the PNP and AFP is a sign of ‘the voice of the people and the voice of God,” he added.
Also present during the presentation rites were Laguna Provincial Election Supervisor Patrick E. Enaje and Quezon Provincial Election Supervisor Allan Enriquez. (Saul Pa-a/PNA)
