Extending Gun Amnesty

The Philippine National Police extends the registration of loose firearms or those with expired license up to the end of November. The program will benefit those gun owners who haven’t renewed their license for more than a year and those who owned unregistered firearms.

There are several reasons regarding this Executive Order No. 817 or the so called governments intensified campaign against loose firearms. One of them is to legitimize loose firearms and at the same time make a full account of all firearms in the country. Another reason is to reduce the chance of using loose firearms in election related crimes which will derail the realization of a peaceful, orderly and credible electoral exercise in 2010 election. Also the program wants to prevent or eradicate private army that causes widespread turmoil particularly in the provinces.

According to PNP report, there are 1,110,277 loose firearms scattered nationwide. 15,676 of them are with the threat groups while about 5,276 are with the criminal elements. Almost half of the total unregistered firearms are with the general population. On the other hand, National Secretariat of the National Firearms Control Program said that 15,394 loose firearms were registered since July 1, 2009, the start of the amnesty program.

PNP is also alarmed in the increase of crimes involving persons using untraceable guns. Lately, minors were also involved not just in petty crimes but in big-time syndicate. Reports showed that 97% of the crimes involve the use of loose firearms.

The Alvin Flores Group, who gained notoriety by using S.W.A.T or PNP designed uniform, also uses high-powered firearms. They were reportedly part of Kuratong Baleleng Group who decided to carve their own identity. The shoot-out in Greenbelt 5 was their last stop before they were gunned down in Cebu City.

In the past, there were also cases of gun pointing which led to shooting in busy streets in the city. The latest incident involves ABS-CBN reporter Sheryl Cosim in Congressional Avenue last Nov. 2. A certain Richard Ordonez stepped out of his car and points his gun to the surprised Cosim. Ordonez car had a plate no. 8 used only by Congressman. After verification, the PNP discovered that he also had 7 licensed guns.

Let’s help PNP in its drive to lessen the criminality that may still take place using an unlicensed firearms. Let’s be part of the information drive about the extension of gun amnesty program.

Be a responsible gun owner. Be a responsible citizen of our country.