MANILA, Philippines --The Philippine National Police (PNP) will be shipping at least 1,000 shotguns to several regions in Mindanao to arm residents who will serve as police auxiliaries, Director General Avelino Razon Jr. said.

The move comes amid renewed hostilities between government forces and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

Razon said the shotguns will be distributed to several provinces in Regions 9, 10, 11, and 12, depending on the need of each.

If the arming of police auxiliaries goes well, the PNP will order 12,000 more shotguns to be distributed in other parts of the country.

"The police provincial directors will determine how the guns will be distributed," said Razon in a phone interview with reporters.

Razon said the move is "legal and proper" based on Executive Order 546, which grants the PNP an active role in Internal Security Operations.

He added the only ones qualified to receive guns are law-abiding citizens; those who have no criminal records; physically fit; has a good moral standing, or the "barangay tanods" or village chiefs.

Chief Superintendent Nicanor Bartolome, PNP spokesman, said in a separate interview said the police auxiliaries will undergo training and will be receiving allowances.