MANILA, Philippines?President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has allowed the extension of the general firearms amnesty program of the Philippine National Police for another month, PNP chief Jesus Verzosa announced Friday.

In a news conference at the PNP headquarters in Camp Crame, Verzosa urged gun owners to avail of the government?s last amnesty program for unlicensed and loose firearms.

Verzosa said the 30-day amnesty program should have ended on October 31, but Arroyo granted the PNP?s appeal to extend the firearms registration until November 30.

?I am pleased to announce that President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has approved our request for extension of the general firearms amnesty under Executive Order 817,? Verzosa told reporters.

Since the PNP gave reprieve to owners of unregistered guns last month, he said the PNP Civil Security Program was able to account for 171,337 loose firearms.

The number includes 4,957 unlicensed guns seized in police operations, Verzosa said.

He also called on the public to help the police run after owners of illegal guns.

According to Verzosa, cash rewards await individuals who could provide the police with information leading to the arrest persons with three or more unregistered weapons.