ILOILO City — The city government and the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) have intensified efforts to curb the proliferation of loose firearms with the launch of a two-day License to Own and Poss Firearms (LTOPF) caravan aimed at encouraging gun owners to legalize their weapons and strengthen public safety.
The caravan, which opened Thursday, May 7, at the Nutrition Center Conference Hall in front of the ICPO headquarters, is expected to accommodate around 200 applicants until May 8 through a one-stop-shop registration process.
The initiative comes amid intensified police operations that led to the recovery of 44 firearms in April 2026 alone, including 16 voluntarily surrendered firearms, 22 deposited for safekeeping, and six seized during police operations that also resulted in the arrest of five individuals and the recovery of three explosives.
Mayor Raisa Treñas described the caravan as a major step toward strengthening peace and order in the city.
“Your presence reflects a shared commitment to public safety and responsible governance,” Treñas said.
“For our citizens, participating in this caravan illustrates that you value not only your rights but also your responsibilities as members of this community,” she added.
Treñas stressed that the activity goes beyond firearm registration and reflects a broader campaign to build safer communities.
“We are building a safer environment for every Ilonggo family,” she stressed.
The caravan is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. for City Hall employees, barangay officials, and the general public.
Col. Romeo Galgo Jr., acting chief of the Police Regional Office 6’s Regional Civil Security Unit emphasized the importance of encouraging firearm owners to comply with legal requirements.
“This initiative is essential for individuals wishing to legally own a firearm in the city,” Galgo said.
“We aim to motivate gun owners to go through the proper legal processes to register their weapons, which, in turn, contributes to the government’s broader initiatives aimed at reducing the presence of loose firearms in our neighborhoods,” he added.
Applicants are required to present documents such as an Oath of Office for government employees and a Philippine Statistics Authority birth certificate.
The caravan also offers on-site services including neuro-psychiatric examinations, drug tests, barangay clearances, and police clearances to streamline the registration process.
Treñas reminded gun owners that firearm ownership carries serious responsibilities.
“Security and development go hand in hand,” she said.
“We must wield our rights with wisdom, discipline, and respect for the lives of others. Together — government, law enforcement, and the community — we can ensure that Iloilo City remains a sanctuary where all citizens feel safe, protected, and empowered,” she stressed./PN
