ILOILO City — The Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) recovered 53 unlicensed firearms and one explosive device during its month-long campaign in May across the city.
Of the total haul, 49 firearms were voluntarily surrendered or deposited for safekeeping, while four were seized through targeted police operations. One explosive device was also recovered.
ICPO director Colonel Wilbert Parilla reported that all operating units across the city contributed to the success of the campaign against loose firearms.
The Iloilo City Police Station 2 (ICPS2) recorded the highest accomplishment with seven recovered firearms. This was followed closely by ICPS1 and ICPS6 with six recoveries each.
Meanwhile, ICPS3 and ICPS4 turned over five firearms each; ICPS5, ICPS7, ICPS9, and ICPS10 recorded four each; ICPS8 and the Iloilo City Mobile Force Company (ICMFC) registered three each; and the City Drug Enforcement Unit (CDEU) logged one recovery.
Parilla attributed the accomplishments to the police force’s intensified campaign against loose firearms, commending the operating units for their dedication.
“We will continue to intensify our campaign against loose firearms and promote responsible gun ownership for a safer Iloilo City. The ICPO will remain relentless against violators. We will sustain intensified operations and, when necessary, implement the service of search warrants against individuals unlawfully possessing firearms,” Parilla said.
The suspects arrested during the operations are currently under police custody and are facing charges for violating Republic Act 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
To assist gun owners, the ICPO previously conducted a two-day License to Own and Possess Firearms (LTOPF) Caravan on May 7 to 8 at the Conference Hall of the Nutrition Center, ICARE Building on General Luna Street.
The ICPO reminded gun holders to take advantage of such caravans to renew their licenses and avoid facing police operations./PN
