DILG asks PNP to set demilitarization of surrendered firearms

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jan 13, 2021): DILG asks PNP to set demilitarization of surrendered firearms (By Lilibeth A. French)

ILOILO CITY, Jan. 13 (PIA) - - The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)-Iloilo has asked Philippine National Police to prepare and set a schedule for the demilitarization of firearms surrendered under the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

DILG Iloilo Director Teodora Sumagaysay reported during a recent meeting of the Iloilo Provincial Peace and Order Council that a total of 16 firearms have been surrendered by former rebels under E-CLIP since 2017.



Based on the data presented by Sumagaysay, of the total 16 turned in firearms, four were surrendered in 2017 consisting of three rifles and a pistol; five in 2018 consisting of two revolvers, a pistol, a rifle and a shotgun; and seven firearms in 2019 consisting of three rifles, two revolvers, a shotgun and a pistol. All the firearms surrendered are serviceable.

She said that as an additional fund to support their reintegration, former rebels were remunerated for the firearms they surrendered based on the standard price ceiling set for the kind of firearm and its condition upon turnover.

She said after the turned over firearms were cleared by the Philippine National Police, these shall be demilitarized and disposed of accordingly except for those used in crime and required by an appropriate court for safekeeping and disposition.

The demilitarization and disposal procedures for firearms will be guided by the Department of National Defense and DILG’s Joint Memorandum Circular No 2018- 01 entitled “Guidelines for the Provision of DILG Administered Package of Assistance for Former Rebels and Militia ng Bayan" dated July 5, 2018.

Sumagaysay said the Police Regional Office –Firearms, Explosives and Ammunitions Disposal Committee (PRO—FEADC) was tasked to conduct the final demilitarization of the firearms through the following procedures: cutting of individual steel pieces using circular saw or blowtorch into sections: bending and deforming of each piece; deforming hammer and trigger using blowtorch; cutting or chopping wooden parts; and stamping aluminum parts.

As practicable, she said the demilitarization shall be done in the presence of members of the local community and representatives from the media.

The post-demilitarization will also be done by the PRO-FEADC through sorting and depositing the scrap in wooden crates for safekeeping/disposition and sale of the scrap through public bidding. (JSC/laf/PIA6 Iloilo)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1063723