PNP-CSG cited for reducing loose firearms, abusive gun holders
THE Philippine National Police leadership headed by General Benjamin Acorda Jr. has cited the PNP Civil Security Group (CSG) for its key role to account for loose firearms in the country as well as in going after abusive gun-holders.
Acorda also lauded the PNP-CSG, headed by Brigadier Gen. Benjamin H. Silo Jr., for its outstanding accomplishments in supervising the PNP offices tasked to regulate the country’s firearms and explosives and security agency industries.
Records showed that from April 28 to July 28, 2023, a total of 55,096 firearms with expired licenses have been registered by their registered owners as a result of the massive public awareness program on timely gun registration launched by the PNP-CSG.
Out of the 477,281 firearms with expired licenses, a total of 48,080 or 10 percent of the delinquent gun-holders were able to renew their permits as the number was reduced to 429,201 as of last July 28.
During the 3-month period, there were a total of 63,578 firearms belonging to juridical entities. However, the number went down to 56,562 as of July 2023 as 7,016 registration papers or 11 percent of the total number were renewed.
That means there were a total of 55,096 gun licenses that have been renewed during the period or from 540,859 to only 429,201 last July. Officials said the move is also part of the unit’s continuing efforts to account for more loose firearms in time for the October 30 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections.
The PNP-CSG’s accomplishments, including the opening of its One-Stop Shop in Camp Crame and other Stakeholders’ Assistance Centers across the country on Saturdays and Sundays, have been praised by the responsible gun-holders.
The program is part of the never-ending effort to reduce the number of expired or un-renewed firearm registration and License to Own and Possess Firearms.
Silo has also directed all heads of Regional Civil Security Units to organize LTOFP and Firearm Registration Caravans every month in their respective areas to assist the public specifically in the issuance of National Police Clearance and conduct of Drug Test and Neuro-Psychiatric Examinations, both requirements to get a gun permit.
The PNP-CSG, thru the PNP Firearms and Explosives Office, is also ensuring that whoever violates the rules on carrying and acquisition of licensed firearms will be dealt with accordingly.
From January to September this year, the PNP-FEO has already revoked 734 LTOPFs and 5,678 Firearm Registration.
It also ordered the perpetual disqualification of the licenses of 290 individuals who were found to have wantonly violated PNP rules in gun ownership.
They include a former Quezon City policeman found to have used his licensed gun to harass and intimidate a cyclist in Welcome Rotunda following their altercation.
Acorfda has congratulated the PNP-CSG as it marked its 43rd founding anniversary last Thursday with the theme ‘Patuloy na Pagpapahusay ng Makabagong Teknolohiya Gabay ang Matatag na Serbisyong Nagkakaisa Tungo sa Pangkalahatang Kaligtasan ng Buong Bansa.’
The PNP-CSG has committed to attain ‘Client Satisfaction Guaranteed’ services by providing quality operations management on the regulatory service of the PNP-FEO and the Supervisory Office for Security and Investigation Agencies (PNP-SOSIA).
It has also committed to comply with applicable requirements and continually improve its quality management system.
The PNP-CSG also posted a significant increase in its revenue collection from January to June this year compared to the same period in 2022.
Records showed that during the first six months of 2023, it has collected a total of P501,289,484.06 in revenues—nearly P407 million of them from the PNP-FEO and around P94 million from the PNP-SOSIA.
It was nearly P800 million additional revenues compared to the P300,343,547.63 collection during the same period last year. Around P205 million was collected by the PNP-FEO while the PNP-SOSIA accounted for some P96 million.
Acorda commended the PNP-CSG’s move to open their shop on Saturdays and Sundays, saying that by extending their office hours, they are fully accommodating the needs of the public and ensure that firearms license applicants are handled efficiently and with the utmost professionalism.
The PNP chief has cited the PNP-CSG for its role in their aggressive drive versus loose firearms and partisan armed groups.
Also a lawyer, Silo has called on all licensed firearm holders in the country to renew their gun permits on time, at best six months before their expiration to avoid having trouble with the law.
He also ordered a much strengthened conduct of the PNP’s Revitalized Oplan Katok and started in their own backyard, or members of the police force with expired gun permits.
Acorda, joined by Silo, cited a number of outstanding PNP-CSG personnel and other stakeholders during the recent CSG anniversary.
The awardees include Colonel Merquiodi L. Bodianio, Lieutenant Col. Verna L. Cabuhat, Major Vanessa M. Gabot, Maj. Gladden S. Manzano, Police Executive Master Sergeant Rosalyn P. Mantes, Police Chief MSgt. Pio B. Bagangan, MSgt. Anna Marie B. Basilio, MSgt. Lester O. Calao-it, Senior MSgt, Saim F. Alam Jr. and Non-Uniformed Personnel Virgie D. Daza and Phoebe Blanca B. Ong.
The others who were cited were the Regional Civil Security Unit 7, NUP Gay S. Guirnalda, NUP Mylene B. Ferrer, SSgt. Rosalyn D. Babica and NUP Jarren Ace P. Orillosa.
Created in 1980, the PNP-CSG is tasked to exercise administrative and operational control in the regulation of the firearms, explosives, and private security industries.
Silo provides guidance to the PNP-FEO headed by Brig. Gen. Roger Quezada and the PNP-SOSIA led by Brig. Gen. Gregory Bogñalbal.
