Crackdown on illegal guns launched in W. Visayas

ILOILO CITY—The Philippine National Police has intensified its crackdown on unlicensed firearms in Western Visayas, warning holders of guns with expired licenses of arrest.

Senior Superintendent Wesley Barayuga, deputy regional police director for operations, said owners of firearms without licenses would be held criminally liable after the Dec. 31 deadline for the renewal of gun licenses.

“Firearms with expired licenses are considered illegal and holders would be charged and arrested,” Barayuga told the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

Barayuga heads the Task Force Armas of the regional PNP, which was formed to run after gun holders with expired or without license.

There are 37,821 registered firearms in Western Visayas as of August, based on records of the PNP’s Firearms and Explosives Unit office.

But 33,675 of these have expired licenses.

Barayuga said police have repeatedly sent notices and letters to gun holders to renew their licenses but received barely any response.

Police would search residences and offices, if necessary, to check for unlicensed guns, he said.

The crackdown on unlicensed firearms is also part of police preparation for the May 2013 elections, said Barayuga.