HAMTIC, Antique – Two men surrendered their loose firearms to the mayor.
The men who were only identified as “Nestor” and “Abner” turned over three rifles and ammunition to Mayor Julius Ronald Pacificador around 6:30 p.m. on Sunday in the latter’s residence in Barangay Poblacion 1.
They said they were afraid to surrender the firearms directly to the police out of fear of being jailed.
The surrendered weapons include a .30-caliber M2 Carbine rifle, a 5.56-mm M16 rifle with magazine, a Springfield Garund rifle, and assorted bullets.
Pacificador turned over the weapons to the municipal police station led by Senior Inspector Janvier Gilza.
The turnover was witnessed by Poblacion 1 village chief Janime Nava, Sangguniang Bayan secretary Leopoldo Pancho and Hamtic Liga ng mga Barangay president Juanito Naig.
The Antique Police Provincial Office is currently conducting an intensified campaign against loose guns, dubbed as “Oplan Tokhang Kontra Ginadumulian nga Pusil.”
The campaign was launched at the Police Regional Office 6 headquarters in Iloilo City on July 23.
Gilza clarified that gun surrenderees will not face charges or jailed, unless they commit crimes.
“It is much better to surrender your undocumented firearms for your own protection,” Gilza added.
Pacifidaor, on one hand, was thankful that people in Hamtic are supporting the police’s drive against loose firearms.
“Us, the people of Hamtic, are one supportive town. This is a big confirmation of our conformity to the programs of President Rodrigo Duterte and PNP Chief Albayalde,” said Pacificador. “I am asking every Hamtikanon to have an active participation in the thrusts of this municipality towards a peaceful, safe and drug-free environment.”/PN
