PRO-7 pursuing execs’ escorts with unlicensed firearms

CEBU, Philippines — The Police Regional Office-7 has accepted the call of the senators to pursue local politicians with bodyguards who carry unlicensed weapons to prevent political violence in the country.

However, PRO-7 did not receive any report as well as monitoring of politicians whose bodyguards are carrying unlicensed firearms.

“So kani magsilbi kining warning sa tanang public servants nga ang PRO-7 magtan-aw kinsa kadtong with bodyguards nga naay dala nga unlicensed firearms, we will not hesitate to conduct the necessary police operation,” said Police Lt. Col. Gerard Ace Pelare, spokesperson at PRO-7.

According to Pelare, this is in line with their campaign to maintain peace and order, especially now that Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections draw nearer.

Pelare said that PRO-7 regional director, Brigadier General Anthony Aberin, ordered all unit commanders to focus on loose firearms that could possibly be used to create trouble and crimes during the BSKE.

“The instruction was tan-awon sad kadtong mga affiliated sa mga politicians nato, we are referring to private armed groups nga pwedeng magamit o potential private armed groups, ato ning ginatan-aw ug makasalig atong katawhan sa Central Visayas nga your PRO-7 will ensure nga ang loose firearms dili mo-proliferate especially during the election,” said Pelare.

In the first semester of this year, the regional police had confiscated more than 3,000 loose firearms. — (FREEMAN)