29 firearms seized since start of ban

The Philippine National Police (PNP) reported yesterday that a total of 29 firearms have been confiscated since the implementation of Commission on Elections (Comelec) gun ban on Dec. 15.

For the year 2003, a total of 1,074 firearms — 757 low-powered and 317 high-powered — have been seized nationwide.

In 2002, a total of 936 firearms — 670 low-powered and 266 high-powered — were confiscated by the PNP.

Reports reaching the office of the PNP chief Director General Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. revealed that from Dec. 15 to Dec. 23 a total of 15 low-powered firearms and four high-powered firearms were confiscated by authorities in different parts of the country.

Last Dec. 24 alone, authorities confiscated eight low-powered firearms and two high-powered firearms.

Senior Superintendent Arturo Cacdac, newly designated Firearms and Explosives Division (FED) chief, said the huge number of seized firearms can be attributed to the successful operations of the PNP, particularly the setting up of checkpoints.

The Comelec has implemented the total gun ban since Dec. 15 in preparation for the upcoming national elections next year.

All permits to carry firearms outside the residence (PTCFORs) have been suspended due to the Comelec resolution. Law enforcers who are on duty and in proper uniforms were only allowed to carry firearms.

The gun ban will last until the end of election period on June 2004. — Christina Mendez