ISULAN, Sultan Kudarat — The governor here directed the police provincial office and all police enforcers to intensify drive against loose firearms in support to President Duterte’s campaign to rid communities of unlicensed guns.
Sultan Kudarat Gov. Pax Mangudadatu issued the directive Wednesday to Sr. Supt. Raul Supiter, provincial police director, after the latter presented to the provincial executive some 60 assorted guns, explosives and ammunition seized in the province since October.
“The President needs our support, he cannot do it alone. To all police officers, make sure your area of jurisdiction is cleared of loose guns,” Mangudadatu said.
The latest haul of unlicensed guns was taken in Sen. Ninoy Aquino town where a former soldier and nine others were arrested and more than 25 high-powered guns were recovered.
Rodolfo Ecija, retired Army sergeant and father of Sen. Ninoy Aquino town Mayor Randy Ecija, was arrested and is facing charges for violation of RA 10591 or possession of unlicensed guns.
Mangudadatu specifically directed Supiter to work on unlicensed guns recovery program for Palimbang, Lutayan, Kalamansig, Lebak, Esperanza, Isulan and Tacurong City where loose guns allegedly proliferate.
For the recovery of more than 60 guns, including one .30-caliber machinegun, Mangudadatu lauded the police and its force multiplier.
When asked whether the police in successful operations would receive citations from the provincial government, Mangudadatu said he is even mulling to give them monetary rewards.
“This is how our government supports the police and military in making our place a peaceful one,” he said.
Supiter said more anti-gun campaign operations are on the pipeline within the coming days. He did not name the towns where police actions are to take place. (PNA)
