THE Philippine National Police (PNP) will intensify its nationwide campaign against loose firearms and gunrunners to help keep communities safe.
In a statement on Monday, PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said unlicensed firearms remain the primary tools used in criminal activities.
“Denying criminal elements the opportunity to own loose firearms will cripple their capability to operate,” Nartatez said.
In January, the campaign led to the arrest of 828 individuals and the recovery, surrender, or confiscation of 2,604 firearms.
Nartatez said he has directed the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), the Special Action Force (SAF), and other support units to intensify operations against gunrunning groups.
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He also ordered heightened intelligence gathering in pursuing gunrunning syndicates and identify new groups involved in the proliferation of unlicensed guns, including high-powered firearms.
The PNP chief directed the Civil Security Group (CSG) to compel delinquent gun owners to renew their firearm licenses.
“Gun ownership comes with an obligation that includes renewing their licenses on time,” he said.
In a separate statement, Nartatez reiterated the PNP’s firm stance against any form of domestic violence, especially if it involves police officers.
“The PNP has no room for any person who deliberately inflicts harm on anybody, much more his own family. As law enforcers, we should serve and protect the people, not to threaten or harm them,” he said.
A police corporal in Misamis Occidental was arrested last month after his wife filed a case accusing him of threatening physical harm and inflicting psychological abuse on her and their child.
The PNP said the wife and child are being given access to violence against women and children desks, legal assistance, medical care, and psychosocial support.
