PNP tears down 178 firearms recovered from former rebels

Security forces set up a checkpoint in between the borders of Negros Oriental and Negros Occidental. (File photo from Armed Forces of the Philippines – Visayas Command)

MANILA, Philippines — A total of 178 firearms surrendered by former rebels have been destroyed by Philippine National Police (PNP).

The campaign comes, in view of the 55th anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines.

In a statement on late Wednesday, PNP said the activity is geared towards public safety and prevention of crimes and offenses committed through the use of the weapons.

The armaments consisted of 117 long firearms, 36 short firearms, 13 crew-served weapons, and 12 sub-machine guns.

Of the figure, 100 firearms came from former rebels in Agusan del Sur, 49 from Surigao del Norte, and 29 from Agusan del Norte.

The firearms were broken down by Police Regional Office 13 in Butuan city, Agusan del Norte.

In July this year, PNP also reported it had disassembled over 7,000 defective firearms and repurposed the items into essential farming tools.