Masbate police to search houses for guns

by EA Delgado

Masbate City (8 September) — In the event known politicians here failed to register their loose firearms under a new firearms amnesty program that began last Aug. 1, 2009, the Police Provincial Office here may embark on raids and search operations.

Chief Inspector Rodolfo Abella, PPO Masbate community relations officer aired this warning even as it urged owners of unlicensed firearms to avail themselves of the government’s amnesty on the registration of loose firearms.

“This is the ultimate amnesty for holders of loose firearms. After this, aggressive police operations will commence against firearms law violators and there will be no let up or sacred cows in this campaign,” Abella said, quoting from a press statement issued by PNP Director General Jesus Verzosa.

The amnesty program, approved by President Macapagal-Arroyo last month, aims to reduce gun-related violence in next year’s national and local elections. Part of the implementing rules incorporates a reward system to those who could lead police to anyone holding loose firearms.

Police pegged the number of loose firearms at 1.2 million, which are in the hands of organized criminals, the New People’s Army and civilians.

Although the final amnesty will be in October, Abella said the PNP opened the processing phase last Aug. 1.

The provincial command and police stations are all authorized to accept and process unregistered guns, he said.

Authorities here have noted that most crimes committed with firearms in the last few years involved loose guns.

In a recent forum, no less than Bishop Joel Z. Baylon of the Diocese of Masbate expressed alarm at the proliferation of unlicensed firearms in the province and asked the PNP to step up its campaign to recover these guns which he said were mostly in the hands of political supporters.

“There are lots of unlicensed guns around,” the prelate said. “Halos bawat bahay ay may baril.” (PIA Masbate)