ALL Philippine National Police (PNP) units nationwide have been commended by PNP chief, General Benjamin C. Acorda Jr. for their successful campaign against loose firearms across the country from January 1 to May 7 this year.

The top cop said the current police campaign to curb down the proliferation of loose firearms that poses a threat to public safety and security in the country has already resulted in the arrest of 3,208 individuals and the recovery, surrender, or confiscation of 10,214 firearms .

The arrested suspects are now facing criminal charges for violation of Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulations Act of 2013, the PNP chief said.

“I commend our cops for these achievements which are in line with my directives for all PNP personnel to do what is expected of them, and that is to do what is right,” Gen. Acorda said.

The top cop said the efforts to secure the public from the dangers of loose firearms have also resulted in 5,608 firearms being turned in for safekeeping by responsible gun owners.

The PNP Civil Security Group headed by Brigadier Gen. Benjamin H. Silo Jr. has launched a massive public awareness campaign to convince licensed firearms’ holders in the country to renew their expiring permits or face charges and sanctions which include losing their License to Own and Possess Firearms.

The official said delinquent firearm holders will face charges for violation of RA 10591 which will result to the revocation of their gun permits, the confiscation of their firearms and even imprisonment and fines.

Brig. Gen. Silo said he is calling on all responsible gun-holders to keep in their minds that owning a gun is not a right but a privilege which can be revoked once they commit infractions of the law including failure to renew their licenses on time.

The official said they have recommended to PNP chief, General Benjamin C. Acorda Jr. their plan to provide services to their clientele even on Saturdays and Sundays by opening their Stakeholders’ Assistance Centers or SACs to serve those who have work and cannot avail of their help during weekdays.

“With this scheme, we believe we can better serve by giving our stakeholders the time to apply for new or renew their LTOFPs, Firearms Registration and License to Exercise Security Profession on weekends without the need to be absent in their respective works,” he said.

The PNP since last January has filed 1,582 cases in court against violators of RA 10591 ensuring that justice will be served to those who have put the lives of the public at risk through the use of loose firearms.

“Accounting of loose firearms and arrest of wanted persons are the centerpiece actions of the anti-criminality campaign that the PNP is waging. Firearms as instruments of crime and the players that put into action the criminal motive are the factors that largely contribute to the commission of a crime. If we can take away these instruments of crime and the persons behind it, then we have effectively prevented crime,” Gen. Acorda said.

According to the top cop, their nationwide drive versus loose firearms will be continuing without any let-up to ensure the safety and security of the public.

“These accomplishments are the result of the hard work and dedication of our police officers and the cooperation of the public. We will continue to intensify our efforts to eradicate the proliferation of loose firearms in our communities. I urge everyone to support our campaign and report any illegal firearms to the authorities,” Gen. Acorda said.

He added that to complement the campaign against loose firearms, the PNP is further improving administrative procedures to encourage and promote effective gun control thru licensing and firearms registration.

“The possession of a single firearm by an individual with criminal intent can have dire consequences, and as such, it is crucial to account for all unregistered firearms and those with expired licenses,” he explained.

The PNP chief underscored that the successful accomplishment of the task to account for loose weapons across the country demonstrates the PNP’s unwavering commitment to upholding the law and fulfilling their duty to maintain peace and order.

At the same time, he called anew on the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities including men with firearms in their neighborhood since they are part of the ‘whole-of-the-nation’ approach to keep the communities safe and secure.