TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan (PIA) – The Philippine National Police (PNP) in Cagayan Valley has presented more than 4,000 assorted firearms currently under its custody.
The firearms, either captured, confiscated, surrendered, deposited, abandoned, or forfeited, were displayed before members of the Regional Joint Security Control Center (RJSCC) and the media recently.
Police Brigadier General Antonio Marallag, regional director of the PNP, emphasized that the significant recoveries are a direct result of the proactive collaboration and coordinated efforts of law enforcement agencies to combat crime and maintain peace and security in the region.
“Each firearm on display today represents our relentless efforts to combat criminality, insurgency, and terrorism. As we approach the 2025 national and local elections, these initiatives are vital in ensuring a peaceful, orderly, and secure electoral process,” Marallag said.
He also assured the public that all recovered firearms are being properly accounted for and securely stored.
The regional director also highlighted the PNP’s intensified implementation of Republic Act 10591—the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act—as a key strategy in curbing the proliferation of loose firearms.
From January 1, 2024, to the present, a total of 1,070 firearms and 207 explosives have been surrendered or recovered in the region.
Marallag also pointed to Oplan Katok as an effective initiative to remind firearms owners of the importance of renewing their License to Own and Possess Firearms (LTOPF).
Additionally, the Regional Civil Security Unit 2 has been conducting LTOPF caravans, which have significantly contributed to reducing the number of loose firearms. The partnership between the PNP and local government units has also been crucial in supporting the campaign.
The regional director also urged firearms owners to be responsible and adhere to proper procedures, especially when transferring ownership.
Meanwhile, the PNP has already outlined its deployment plan for the upcoming election period, with checkpoints set to be established as part of the nationwide gun ban that will be in effect from January 12 to June 11, 2025. (OTB/GVB/PIA Cagayan)
