'More than 500k firearms unregistered in Phl'

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - - More than half a million of loose firearms have yet to be accounted  for, three days before the implementation of the total gun ban in time for the forthcoming midterm 2013 elections, Police Director General Alan Purisima admitted Thursday here.

Purisima said the 530,000 loose firearms they previously  estimated only included firearms which are classified as not renewed or have not been re-registered again and excluded the number of loose firearms that were smuggled and unregistered.

Purisima said he has directed the police in the country to be on top of the gun ban campaign.

He said the PNP will  conduct a house-to-house check on all gun holders who already have  licenses but have yet to renew these licenses.

Purisima said delinquent gun holders will be  warned that those who fail to renew the license of their firearms  will be subject to police operations.

“They can still apply for license on those firearms,” Purisima said. “What we want is to make all guns legal and registered.”

The PNP chief said the PNP is authorized to visit licensed firearm holders for an annual inspection. The visit will take place the soonest possible time, he said. - Roel Pareño