by Christopher Lloyd Caliwan/PNA
At least 80 assorted firearms have been seized since the start of the election gun ban in Cavite.
“We are presenting before you these 80 loose firearms and potential instruments of violence and oppression that were rounded-up during a recent 10-day focused police operations in the province of Cavite,” Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, Gen. Oscar Albayalde told reporters in press briefing held at Camp Crame Monday.
These include 42 .45-caliber pistols; 19 .38-caliber revolvers; eight pieces caliber 9mm pistols; three pieces .40-caliber pistols; four shotguns; two .22-caliber revolvers; one piece 7.62 rifle; and one submachine gun.
Out of the total number of seized firearms, 52 were voluntarily surrendered by their owners due to expired licenses and 28 were confiscated in checkpoints, search warrant and buy-bust operations.
“These confiscated firearms represent our ongoing intensified campaign on gun ban, and recovery of loose firearms to reduce the risk factors for the coming national and local elections. I expect that all Police Regional Offices will likewise intensify their law enforcement operations in their respective areas,” the PNP chief said.
The PNP said the intensified campaign against loose firearms will help curb incidents of election-related violence as well as prevent criminals from carrying out their illegal activities.
Police Regional Office 4-A (Calabarzon) Director, Brig. Gen. Edward Carranza, meanwhile, said among those who surrendered their firearms were two politicians and two candidates in the May polls.
“There are some politicians but we will not reveal their names. We have informed them for safekeeping until they have renewed their firearms, they will be in the possession of the PNP,” Carranza told reporters.
