AMID its successful campaign against illegal guns this year, the Philippine National Police (PNP) will intensify its efforts to account for loose firearms across the country in 2024, the Journal Group learned Friday.

PNP chief General Benjamin C. Acorda Jr. has congratulated all 17 Police Regional Offices and other PNP National Operational Support Units led by the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) and the PNP Civil Security Group (PNP-CSG) for their contribution to the government’s efforts to recover illegal firearms.

Official records from the PNP Directorate for Operations showed that from January to November, the PNP’s relentless effort to account for loose firearms resulted in the confiscation, recovery and surrender of 27,350 small arms and light weapons (SALW).

The campaign likewise resulted in the arrest of 8,459 suspects and the filing of 5,513 criminal cases in court against them for violation of Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulations Act of 2013, said PNP Director for Operations Major Gen. Leo M. Francisco.

Another 16,132 guns with expired licenses were also turned in by their registered owners to the PNP for safekeeping while they are renewing their License to Own and Possess Firearms and Firearm Registration, the official added.

“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,” Acorda said.

The top cop said the efforts to secure the public from the dangers of loose firearms have also resulted in over 16,000 firearms being turned in for safekeeping by responsible gun owners.

The PNP-CSG headed by Maj. Gen. Benjamin H. Silo Jr. this year 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 LTOFPs.

The official said delinquent firearm holders will face charges for violation of RA 10591 which will result in the revocation of their gun permits, the confiscation of their firearms and even a jail term.

Silo also called 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.

The official this year got the nod of Acorda to provide services to their clientele even on Saturdays and Sundays by opening their Stakeholders’ Assistance Centers (SACs) to serve those who have work and cannot avail of their help during weekdays.

The PNP since last January has filed over 5,500 cases in court against violators of RA 10591, thus 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,” 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 through 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.