Loose guns found in abandoned PUJ

CEBU, Philippines - Police recovered at least 25 loose firearms from an abandoned public utility jeepney in barangay Poblacion, Danao City the other night.

The guns, along with five other loose firearms recovered in the towns of San Francisco and Pinamungajan, automatically add up to the list of loose firearms recovered under the “Kontra Boga” campaign.

Elements of the Danao Police Station led by SPO4 Jose Salingua together with traffic enforcers conducted a checkpoint at Upland, barangay Poblacion past 9 p.m. which resulted to the recovery of the firearms placed inside a bag in the jeepney.

The bag reportedly contained 15 pieces homemade (six shooters) .38 caliber revolver, four homemade .357 cal. revolver, and three .22 Magnum; as well as a homemade .32 cal. pistol, a homemade caliber 22 ordinary, and a homemade (five shooters) .38 cal. revolver. Six assorted magazines were also recovered.

Police in San Francisco town also turned over to the Cebu Provincial Police Office three pieces of .38 cal. snub-nose revolver (paltik) and ammunition last Wednesday.

These firearms were reportedly deposited by unidentified persons late last month in a repository placed by the policemen inside their station. To recall, the amnesty program allows unlicensed gun holders to turn over their firearms to authorities without question.

A piece of .38 cal. revolver and .22 cal. revolver were also recovered by police in Pinamungajan last Thursday.

Elements of the Pinamungajan Police conducted a barangay visit and information drive in barangay Tajao regarding the extension of the firearm amnesty program when the firearms were surrendered to them.

The amnesty program which ran from October 1 to 31 is extended until November 30 of this year. Owners of loose firearms who are not yet registered are encouraged to avail of the said program extension. — Niña G. Sumacot/MEEV (THE FREEMAN)