By Jennifer P. Rendon
The Iloilo Police Provincial Office’s (IPPO) campaign against the proliferation of loose firearms is making headway since it was launched more than a week ago.
Dubbed as Oplan Sigabong, a Hiligaynon word for loud explosion, the campaign accounted for 197 firearms and 24 explosives from Nov 16 to 24, 2022.
Colonel Noel Aliño, Iloilo police chief, said that most of these firearms were surrendered while some were recovered during police operations.
More than half or 100 firearms were homemade shotguns while 69 were revolvers and 28 were pistols.
The 24 explosives were comprised mostly of rifle-fired and handheld grenades.
The Lambunao Municipal Police Station accounted for the most number of firearms at 25.
Not far behind is Cabatuan MPS with 23 while Sta. Barbara MPS has 15 and Passi City PS has 14.
Other police stations recorded single-digit confiscations.
Major Jogen Suegay, Lambunao police chief, said that 23 of the 25 firearms were surrendered while only two were recovered during a search and seizure operation.
Earlier, Aliño said they would intensify the campaign against loose firearms in a bid to keep the streets safe from criminals.
“By doing so, it will ensure peace and order in Western Visayas, especially during the holiday season,” he said.
In addition, the IPPO will also be providing monetary reward of P10,000 for every positive information that could result in the arrest of a gun maker.
