Gun amnesty extended until Nov. 30

MANILA, Philippines - President Arroyo yesterday approved an extension of the gun amnesty program until Nov. 30 to cater to gun holders who were victimized by tropical storm “Ondoy” and typhoon “Pepeng.”

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Jesus Verzosa said the President’s approval would surely boost their efforts to account for more loose firearms and prevent criminal activities.

“I am pleased to announce that President Arroyo has approved our request for an extension of the general firearms amnesty provided under Executive Order No. 817 for another 30 days from Nov. 1 to 30, 2009,” he said.

Verzosa said this was in consideration of the numerous requests from the public as well as PNP and Armed Forces commanders in areas where Ondoy and Pepeng “restricted their desire” to avail themselves of the amnesty program.

As of Oct. 28, Verzosa said the PNP had accounted for a total of 171,337 of the estimated 1.1 million loose firearms, of which over 500,000 have expired licenses and the rest believed to be in the hands of criminal groups.

The national secretariat of the national firearms control program under Chief Superintendent Ireno Bacolod, director of the Civil Security Group, reported that a total of 15,394 loose firearms have been registered since last July 1 when the amnesty program took effect.

A total of 150,886 expired firearm licenses were renewed during the three-month period.