THE Philippine National Police Civil Security Group reminded over 3,500 incumbent barangay officials with delinquent firearm licenses to renew their expired or unrenewed License to Own and Possess Firearms and Firearms Registration to serve as ‘role models’ to their constituents especially now that Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections are fast approaching.

“We already have the records of barangay officials with expired/unrenewed LTOFPs and Firearms Registration and have sought the assistance of the Department of the Interior and Local Government in compelling these public officials to renew their gun permits,” PNP-CSG director Brigadier General Benjamin H. Silo Jr. told the Journal Group.

The official said they are also calling on juridical entities, including provincial, city and municipal governments whose firearms licenses have already expired, to renew them on time so that they will have no trouble with the law.

“The DILG has the administrative control over these officials and they can easily issue a ‘show cause order’ on why they are not compliant with our laws specifically Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulations Act of 2013 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations,” said Silo.

“We’re doing good on loose firearms. Before the election, I think the number will further go down. That is the reason why I want the perpetual disqualification of gun holders who have been found remiss in their duties and obligation to renew their licenses and permits,” said Silo.

A check at the records showed that there were a total of 3,041 elected barangay officials with expired firearms licenses, while another 2,522 have expired LTOPFs.

Metro Manila has 1,530 elected barangay officials with expired LTOFPs and firearms licenses at 1,530, the biggest in the country, followed by those from Ilocos-Pangasinan at 986; and those in Central Visayas at 501.

Regions with highest numbers of expired LTOFPs and gun licenses are Cagayan Valley, 177; Calabarzon, 416; Mimaropa, 317; Bicol, 193; Western Visayas, 166; Eastern Visayas, 15; Western Mindanao, 96; Northern Mindanao, 139; Southern Mindanao, 137; Soccsksargen, 368; Caraga, 91; Bangsamoro Administrative region, 334; and Cordillera, 12.

PNP chief General Benjamin C. Acorda Jr. has written to Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin ‘Benhur’ C. Abalos Jr. regarding the matter.

The top cop mentioned the PNP’s 5 focus agenda, of which the facilitation of the Firearms Registration and Amnesty and the relentless campaign against loose firearms are among those.

Acorda said that one of the key points of the program is to reduce the proliferation of loose firearms throughout the country which include unexpired LTOFP and firearms registration.

“Considering that the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (BSK) Election is fast approaching, this unit has initiated the consolidation of the data of Government Elected Officials, specifically Barangay Officials with expired LTOFP and firearms registration all throughout the country,” Acorda told Sec. Abalos thru DILG Undersecretary for Barangay Affairs Felicito A. Valmocina.

“This endeavor will not only reduce unrenewed licenses and expired firearms, but will promote a free, orderly, honest, peaceful and credible election,” Acorda said.

Silo said they have sent letters to the barangay officials with delinquent gun papers and furnished copies to the DILG.

“The DILG have administrative control over these public officials and they can issue ‘show cause order’ on why they are not complying with the law, the RA 10591 in particular,” the official said.