As the one-month extended deadline for the gun amnesty period ended on November 30, the Police Regional Office (PRO-7) reported that they have exceeded the target in account firearms by 30 percent.
PRO-7 were targeting 7,895 firearms to be accounted from July to November but has accomplished more than its target volume with 10, 714 firearms accounted for within the gun amnesty period.
Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has ordered the Philippine National Police (PNP) to reduce the number of loose firearms circulating in the country through Executive Order 817 or the National Firearms Control Program.
Police estimated there are 1.1M loose firearms nationwide. In Central Visayas, loose firearms are estimated to reach 52T with slightly over 21T having expired licenses.
PRO-7 urged those who have not availed of the gun amnesty to still process the renewal of expired license or register undocumented guns but they just have to pay the regular fees plus the arrears. (PIA/FCR)