PNP pushes to legalize gun-making in Danao
To address the rampant illegal manufacturing of guns in Danao City, authorities are pushing to legalize it.
Police Superintendent Jaime Quiocho Jr., Danao Police chief, said that while they are conducting intensified police operations against illegal gun makers in Danao City, they are also making efforts to legalize the activity in the area.
“Hanggat hindi pa na-legalize ay patuloy pa din ang ating intensified operations against illegal manufacturing of firearms dito dahil illegal pa din ito. Yes, may efforts na tayong ginawa para ma-legal ang paggawa ng baril. Yun din ang napag-usapan namin ni mayor noong pagka-assign ko dito,” said Quiocho.
Danao City has been known for loose firearms.
A number of illegal gun makers were arrested in the first quarter of the year by Danao Police and Provincial Intelligence Branch (PIB).
Several finished and unfinished guns as well as manufacturing equipment were recovered during police operations.
Quiocho, however, said to legalize the gun making industry will take time as there are several factors to consider. But he is hopeful and they will continue coordinating with concerned agencies.
“Although may desire tayo (na ma-legalize), may mga factor pa din na dapat na i-consider lalo na sa local government unit. Hindi naman madali. Nagdepende din tayo sa move na gagawin nila,” Quiocho added.
Cebu Provincial Police Office (CPPO) Director Senior Superintendent Manuel Abrugena supports the plan to legalize the gun manufacturing industry in Danao City.
Abrugena said that this will help them to easily monitor the activities of gun manufacturers.
“I strongly agree doon sa move po ng chief of police sa Danao kasi kapag nagawan ng proper authority, we can easily monitor their activities. Kasi kapag walang papel ay nahihirapan tayo,” said Abrugena.
He added that loose firearms are often used in different crimes in Cebu and in neighboring cities.
“Kaya I am directing the chief of police of Danao to further strengthen and intensify their monitoring and operations against illegal gun manufacturers,” Abrugena added.
PNP Chief Oscar Albayalde also expressed that guns made in Danao City are of good quality.
However, he reiterated that operations of illegal gun makers should be stopped.
“Regulated naman talaga dapat iyan. Iyung mga walang license dapat talaga matigil na iyan,” said Albayalde.
Albayalde, who was the guest speaker during the opening of ARMSCOR Tactical, Survival and Arms Expo in SM City Cebu last Friday encouraged gun owners to be responsible.
He said that there will be an amnesty for gun owners of loose firearms or with expired license.
“Magkaroon na tayo ng amnesty to encourage kung sino pa ang may loose firearms, late registration na firearms, so that we can account properly itong mga fireams instead of them being kept without license,” Albayalde added.