THE Philippine National Police (PNP) headed by General Benjamin C. Acorda Jr. has recorded less gun-related violence nationwide over the past two years due to strict accounting of loose firearms, the Journal Group learned.

PNP spokesperson Colonel Jean S. Fajardo also expressed confidence that the Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulations Act of 2013 that will allow civilians to own semi-automatic rifles will help further reduce crime incidents in the country.

The official said in 2022, the PNP recorded 5,172 crime incidents involving the use of firearms followed by 4,956 in 2023. So far this year, 808 cases involving guns have been investigated by the police force, she added.

She said that the majority of these incidents involve shootings, alarm and scandal, robbery and grave threats.

During those three periods, a total of 3,792 criminal cases were filed in court, 3,774 were referred to the prosecutor’s offices and 1,136 are still under investigation.

Acorda has ordered the PNP Civil Security Group headed by Major Gen. Benjamin H. Silo Jr. to intensify their effort to account for more loose firearms in the country.

Silo said that from 769,522 last March 15, the number of loose firearms, including expired permits, went down to 497,094 or a difference of 272,428 or 35.40 percent as of January 12, 2024.

He said that the more than 35 percent reduction in the number of firearms with expired License to Own and Possess Firearms (LTOFPs) and Firearm Registration (FR) was achieved as a result of their conduct of the Revitalized Oplan: Katok, public information and dissemination through Audio-Visual Presentations played in malls and continuous LTOFP and Firearm Registration caravans nationwide.

The PNP-CSG has been providing all National Operational Support Units led by the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group and all 17 Police Regional Offices with an updated list of delinquent firearm holders every 15th and 30th of the month for proper action, Silo said.

The PNP-CSG director has been instructed by Acorda to help in the police force’s effort to account for loose firearms in the country knowing fully well that the reduction of unlicensed guns directly affects crime statistics nationwide.

Fajardo said that by regulating the sale of semi-automatic rifles, the PNP is also encouraging responsible gun ownership.

She added that the proposal to allow the registration or renewal of light weapons is also separate from the nationwide gun amnesty being proposed by the PNP this year.

“One of the intentions of the PNP in pushing for amendments of certain provisions of the law is to really encourage people to register their guns and reduce the number of loose firearms since guns with expired licenses or registration papers are already classified as loose firearms,” Fajardo explained.