By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Around 152 firearms have been surrendered to the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) since last month’s  implementation of  “Tokhang for illegal firearms.”

In a press conference yesterday morning, BCPO director, Police Senior Superintendent Francisco Ebreo, said most of the guns surrendered were from those in the process of renewing permits.

The guns presented ranged from improvised firearms to antique weapons from World War II.

In addition, most of the weapons were owned by retired police officers and businessmen.

Ebreo noted, some gun owners reside outside Bacolod City, but maintain property in the city, such as business establishments or residential apartments.

Last week, the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOPPO) also presented 183 firearms that were either surrendered or seized in police operations.

According to NOPPO director, Police Senior Superintendent Rodolfo Castil, Jr., the intensified campaign against loose firearms is a preemptive security measure for next year’s midterm elections.

NOPPO estimates suggest there are around 11,184 registered gun holders in Negros Occidental, with 10,908 yet to renew their licenses.

NOPPO is also looking to recover an estimated 424 loose firearms that are owned by various criminal and rebel groups operating in the province./DGB, WDJ