• THERESA MAE DULMAN
More than 5,000 firearm holders in Bacolod City have yet to renew their licenses, the Bacolod City Police Office said.
P/Lt. Col. Lester Leada, BCPO deputy director for administration, said Aug. 12 that many of the expired licenses belong to security agencies.
“In the meantime, they should surrender (the guns) first,” he said.
In case a license expires, the gun should be surrendered to the BCPO headquarters or the nearest police station to avoid unnecessary incidents involving loose firearms, Leada explained.
The BCPO clarified that it will consider cases where security agencies can present receipts that their renewal applications are already in progress.
Leada assured that surrendered firearms can be retrieved once the license is renewed.
He warned that carrying an unrenewed firearm is illegal, and when such gun is discharged, the owner will be held responsible.
The BCPO is currently conducting the “Oplan Katok” campaign through house-to-house visitations.
“This campaign is for the security of the community. We assured them that once they surrender their firearms, it’s for safekeeping, and they will not be charged with violation of Republic Act 10591”, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, Leada added. | TMD
