Last chance to register guns

CEBU, Philippines - Raising placards typically associated with demonstrations by cause-oriented groups, policemen under the Police Regional Office 7 hit the streets yesterday to launch the “Last and Final Firearms Amnesty” program, which gives owners of guns the chance to register loose firearms or renew expired licenses.

Personnel of various offices under PRO-7 participated in the parade yesterday morning, which started at Camp Sergio Osmeña and headed to the Fuente Osmeña Rotunda. Aside from the placards, leaflets were also distributed to motorists.

Supt. Ernesto Agas, PRO-7 spokesperson, said registration of firearms and renewal of licenses will run until the end of the month. By November, the police would engage in massive campaign against loose and unregistered firearms through mobile checkpoints and saturation drives.

Illegal possession of firearms is punishable by law with one year to 12 years imprisonment.

PRO-7 Director Lani-O Nerez himself urged firearm owners to avail of the amnesty, as it is the last and final implementation granted by the government.

Nerez explained the program is being implemented with the intent to lessen, if not eradicate, bad elements using loose or unregistered weapons, especially that the election season draws near.

A qualified applicant may register his firearm(s), either low or high-profiled, and pay P1000 for processing. Those renewing their licenses will pay only P650.

Nerez encouraged firearm owners to the nearest municipal police stations or to the Firearms Explosive Security Agency and Guard Sections (FESAGSS) office along R. Landon St. in Cebu City to know the details of the amnesty program.

Meanwhile, P/Insp. Ruben Cuizon, chief of the Investigation and Detective Management Branch of Provincial Police Office, said they are also giving holders of undocumented firearms the chance to avoid prosecution by peacefully surrendering their guns during the amnesty period.

Quizon said there is an estimated 14,953 loose firearms in Cebu alone- 11,909 are unregistered while 3,044 have licenses that have not been renewed. And as of July this year, CPPO has seized 132 loose firearms.

Also yesterday, the provincial police went house-to-house to campaign for the amnesty program. Quizon said the house-to-house campaign was reportedly effective because 47 firearm owners have already renewed their licenses yesterday while 19 others have registered their guns. — Niña G. Sumacot and Gabriel C. Bonjoc/JMO   (FREEMAN NEWS)