7,901 guns in Bacolod, Negros lack valid licenses

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – The Firearms and Explosive Office (FEO) in Camp Crame reported that 7,901 assorted firearms here and in Negros Occidental lack valid licenses for failure of the owners to renew their papers, according to the Police Regional Office (PRO)-6.

Thus, a series of License To Own and Possess Firearm (LTOPF) caravans were conducted to trim down these figures.

The recent caravan was conducted on Oct. 6 and 7, 2022 wherein at least 302 gunholders here and in neighboring cities renewed their firearm licenses at SM City Bacolod.

This was based on the data released by the Regional Civil Security Unit (RCSU)-6 through PRO-6 yesterday.

The caravan was held following the request of Councilor Al Victor Espino, chairman of the Committee on Peace and Order on Aug. 31.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Lester Leada, head of the operations branch of the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO), said that at least 4,000 gun owners here have unrenewed firearm licenses, including those from security agencies that already closed.

Leada said the BCPO sent notices to the gun owners to inform them to renew their licenses. However, they have difficulty locating other gunholders, while there are those who already donated or sold their firearms.

Leada said that firearms with unrenewed licenses are considered loose firearms, thus selling is prohibited.

With the services provided, the BCPO hopes that gun owners procured all the necessary documents for them to become licensed and legitimate owners, stressing that the privilege of possessing a firearm comes with a huge responsibility.

Along with the PNP’s Tokhang Kontra Armas Luthang or TKAL program, the BCPO seeks to lessen the use of unlicensed firearms in any lawless activity.

Last month, at least 200 gun owners and enthusiasts here and in the third district of the province also renewed their firearm licenses in the same caravan held in E.B. Magalona town.