MANILA, Philippines — Over 300 government-issued firearms have been confiscated in Metro Manila ahead of the May general elections, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) reported yesterday.
NCRPO chief Maj. Gen. Vicente Danao Jr. said “Operation Bawi,” which seeks to recover firearms from uniformed personnel who have been dismissed from the police service, suspended or gone AWOL (absent without official leave), yielded 363 guns.
During an operation on Wednesday, police said they recovered 11 9mm pistols, ammunition and a bulletproof vest.
Danao warned police officers, especially those who went AWOL to surrender their guns to police stations.
“We will not allow these government-issued firearms to remain in their possession,” he said.
The firearms will be turned over to the NCRPO’s Office of the Regional Supply Accountable Officer for proper disposition.