"More guns used in crimes"

CEBU, Philippines - The number of firearms used in crimes has increased from January to October this year compared to the same period last year as revealed by the Regional Investigation and Detective Management Division (RIDMD).

The data of the RIDMD showed that there were only 994 firearms used in 983 cases last year compared to this year’s 1,009 firearms used in 973 cases, most of them in robberies.

Records also show that of the 983 cases last year, 296 were filed in court and 687 are still under investigation. On the other hand, of the 973 cases this year, 273 were filed in court while the remaining 700 cases are still under investigation.

Sr. Supt. Mariano Natu-el, chief of the RIDMD, said that the increase in the number of firearms being used in crimes were possibly because it is easy to buy them from illegal gun-makers in Danao City.

Natu-el further explained that this could also be because people charged with illegal possession of firearm may now post bail.

Sr. Supt. Louie Oppus, Deputy Regional Director for Operation, had said that Cebu province tops as primary source of illegal firearms in the whole Philippines based on the National Firearms Program of the Philippine National Police.

Natu-el added that the PNP is now intensifying its campaign against loose firearms through campaigns like Kontra Boga, Oplan Bakal and Bilang Boga.

“The PNP is trying its best to lessen the use of loose firearms through series of arrests and raids as well as monitoring firearms with expired license,” he said. – (FREEMAN)