PRO-6 honors Guimaras officials over loose firearms drive

GUIMARAS — More than 100 elected officials in Guimaras were recognized for their active participation in the Police Regional Office 6 campaign against loose firearms.

During the Guimaras provincial government’s flag-raising ceremony Monday, PRO-6, headed by Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño, presented plaques of appreciation to Gov. Ma. Lucille Nava and the mayors of Jordan, Buenavista, San Lorenzo, Nueva Valencia and Sibunag for their role in the successful implementation of Project RTT 3389, or Restrict, Track and Turn-In.

The program is a PRO-6 initiative aimed at strengthening firearms accountability and encouraging the proper turn-in of loose firearms across the region’s 3,389 barangays.

The same recognition was given to the presidents of the Liga ng mga Barangay.

All 97 barangay captains in Guimaras were also presented with certificates of recognition.

The Guimaras Police Provincial Office was the first provincial police office in Western Visayas to post 100 percent compliance with the program.

In less than two months, all barangays in Guimaras were able to surrender, turn over or account for at least one loose firearm.

Beyond the statistics, Tuaño said the success of Project RTT 3389 goes beyond the number of firearms surrendered.

“Every loose firearm brought out of a community is one less weapon that can possibly be used in committing crime,” he added.

Tuaño said a loose firearm could also be used to escalate a personal or domestic dispute, fall into the wrong hands or turn an otherwise preventable confrontation into a tragedy.

Meanwhile, Nava said Project RTT 3389 is a celebration of the partnership and commitment between the Philippine National Police and the province of Guimaras.

“It’s also an indication of what we can achieve if we do things together,” she said.

Nava said she agreed with Tuaño that every firearm surrendered means preventing a potential threat.

While the provincial government may not always formally recognize the PNP for its efforts, she assured police that every initiative promoting peace and order is appreciated.

After all, “the commitment to peace and order is part of the program of Guimaras,” Nava said adding the “development couldn’t be achieved without peace.”

Although Western Visayas has achieved 100 percent compliance with Project RTT 3389, Tuaño said PRO-6 would continue the program.