578 loose guns, 78 explosives seized in Caraga

From the Manila Bulletin (Jun 7, 2023): 578 loose guns, 78 explosives seized in Caraga (By MIKE CRISMUNDO)

CAMP RAFAEL C. RODRIGUEZ, Butuan City – The Police Regional Office-13 (PRO-13) has seized 578 loose firearms and 78 explosives from Jan. 1 to the present in line with the intensified crackdown against loose firearms and security measures for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections in the Caraga region in October.

LABRA (center). (FB)

PRO-13 Director Police Brig. Gen. Pablo G. Labra II said that 93 individuals were arrested by the police for possession of loose firearms and explosives.

Suspects are facing charges for violation of RA No. 10591 or the Comprehensive Law on Firearms Ammunition, Labra said.

The law defines a loose firearm as an unregistered weapon, an obliterated or altered firearm, firearm which has been lost or stolen, illegally manufactured firearm, registered firearm in possession of an individual other than the licensee, and those with revoked licenses in accordance with the rules and regulations, he added.

Labra said most of the explosives seized were rifle grenades, hand grenades, and other explosive materials.

The PRO-13 Regional Operations Division said 114 firearms were surrendered by former New People’s Army rebels, 79 were confiscated during the implementation of search warrants, police response, and search incidental to a lawful arrest, while 385 were surrendered to police units for safekeeping.

Top performing units were Agusan del Sur Police Provincial Office (PPO) with 226 confiscated loose firearms, Agusan del Norte PPO with 98, and Surigao del Norte PPO with 89.

Labra said there is no letup in the campaign against loose firearms.

“PNP-Caraga will relentlessly ensure that no loose firearms shall be used in sowing crimes, election-related violent incidents, and other illegal activities,” Labra said.

“Expect a more aggressive operation against loose firearms in the coming days.”

https://mb.com.ph/2023/6/7/578-loose-guns-78-explosives-seized-in-caraga