BACOLOD City – The Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) is intensifying its campaign against loose firearms after recording more than 5,000 firearm holders in the city whose licenses have not been renewed, a police official said Wednesday.
Police Lt. Col. Lester L. Leada, BCPO deputy director for administration, disclosed the figure during a press conference at the BCPO headquarters on August 12, 2026.
Leada said most of the firearms with expired licenses are reportedly associated with security agencies.
He clarified, however, that authorities are taking into consideration cases where security agencies can present proof that their firearm permits and licenses are already undergoing renewal.
The BCPO is appealing to holders of expired License to Own and Possess Firearms (LTOPFs), as well as those possessing unregistered firearms, to voluntarily surrender the weapons to police for safekeeping.
Firearms may be surrendered at the BCPO headquarters or the nearest police station.
Leada warned that if a loose firearm is used in a criminal incident, its registered or previous holder may no longer be able to invoke the firearm’s expired or unrenewed status as a defense.
For firearm holders who fail to surrender their weapons, police may conduct “Oplan Katok,” or house-to-house visits, as part of the enforcement campaign.
Leada said authorities may issue a letter from the Regional Civil Security Unit (RCSU) directing the surrender of the firearm. Failure to comply could lead to the police seeking a search warrant.
The BCPO is also strengthening its information campaign to remind firearm owners of their responsibilities under existing firearms regulations and encourage them to renew expired licenses or properly surrender firearms they are no longer authorized to possess.
Police records indicate that nearly 5,000 firearm holders in Bacolod have yet to renew their licenses, with security agencies accounting for a significant portion of the cases.
Leada urged firearm owners to take action before enforcement measures are implemented, emphasizing that voluntary surrender or proper renewal remains the safer and more responsible option./PN
