Lomibao seeks update on number of loose guns

DAGUPAN CITY — Philippine National Police chief Director General Arturo Lomibao has tasked the directorate for intelligence to update the estimates on the number of loose firearms nationwide.

Based on last year’s estimates, the number of loose firearms was placed at 150,000 but Lomibao believes this is "no longer accurate."

Lomibao, who was here Friday to attend ceremonies honoring him for his March 14 appointment as PNP chief, said he recently ordered an intensified crackdown on loose firearms.

He said there are at present 915,000 registered firearms nationwide. However, permits for 415,000 guns have expired, and the holders of nearly half of this number have not renewed their licenses.

He said gun owners have until May 1 to renew their licenses, otherwise they face legal action.

Lomibao said those with expired licenses may also choose to surrender their firearms or perhaps, donate them to the police force.

He said only 83 percent of policemen have firearms.

Lomibao said there is an existing amnesty program that will lapse on Sept. 30, "but we cannot (grant) amnesty to unregistered firearms."