by pna
Philippine National Police (PNP) Director-General Nicanor Bartolome has instructed all his units, especially the Firearms and Explosive Division, to scrutinize closely all purported purchases of guns to determine whether these are legitimate acquisitions or just intended to boost the firepower of groups planning to sow
terror and violence during next year's mid-term elections.
"We are now monitoring all firearms purchases in the country to determine whether these are all legitimate," Bartolome said.
He explained that this measure is timely considering that private armed groups, with intentions of being political mercenaries, are now probably beefing up their arsenal to make up impressive show on their prospective clients.
In a related development, the PNP chief said that the police will now look closely for gun owners with expired gun licenses in an effort to further cut down the number of loose firearms in the country.
Authorities said an estimated 800,000 to one million guns of various types are known to be loose in the Philippines.
"Gun holders with expired licenses will be sent a notice telling them of their arrears or lapse. After a period of time or consideration, their respective police chiefs, or any of the latter's duly appointed representatives, will then visit them to personally inform them of their oversight. And if nothing else happens from these notices, their firearms will be declared loose and appropriate actions now can be taken against them," Bartolome said.
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