By Daniel Que
LINGAYEN, Pangasinan — The Pangasinan Police Provincial Office (PPO) held a ceremonial turnover today (November 11) of confiscated, surrendered, and expired-license firearms at Camp Antonio Sison in this town as part of efforts to ensure peaceful national and local elections in 2025.
P/Col. Rollyfer Capoquian, director of the Pangasinan Police Provincial Office, reported that as of November 2024, a total of 3,929 firearms had been accounted for. This includes 1,542 assorted weapons currently in police custody and 1,368 shotguns surrendered by local government units.
The presented firearms are part of the police’s intensified campaign against loose firearms, which has been ongoing since 2016.
“This initiative is part of the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) Revitalized Oplan Katok, which seeks to reduce the number of loose firearms in our communities, particularly those used by gun-for-hire groups,” said Capoquian. “These firearms were collected through voluntary submissions, police operations, and the enforcement of stricter regulations.”
Capoquian emphasized that the firearms on display were the result of the PNP’s ongoing efforts to curb the proliferation of loose and unlicensed firearms to help maintain peace before, during, and after the elections.
The firearms will be turned over to the Regional Civil Security Unit (RCSU) 1 for documentation before being transferred to the Firearms and Explosives Office of the Civil Security Group at Camp Crame for demilitarization.
PLt. Col. Regina Abanales, officer-in-charge of RCSU1, witnessed the turnover and noted that the firearms included both low-powered and high-powered weapons, such as .38 caliber, .40 caliber, and .45 caliber pistols, shotguns, 5.56mm rifles (M16 or Armalite), improvised shotguns, and others. Some firearms are still under litigation or awaiting further investigation.
Abanales assured that the proper disposal of these firearms would be carried out in accordance with Republic Act No. 10591 and Memorandum Circular 2022-086, which outlines the guidelines for the Revitalized Oplan Katok program.
Police B/Gen. Lou Evangelista, director of Police Regional Office 1, said the ceremonial turnover of surrendered and confiscated firearms, along with the display of deposited firearms, symbolizes the collective commitment to maintaining a safe environment, especially during the upcoming elections.
“The presence of these firearms serves as a powerful reminder of our responsibility,” Evangelista said. “It underscores the importance of accountability, vigilance, and our shared resolve to prioritize safety above all else.”
He stressed that by removing firearms from the streets, the police are helping to reduce violence and create a safer, more peaceful environment where democracy and justice can flourish.
“Our goal for the upcoming election is simple yet vital: to create an atmosphere where every Filipino citizen can vote without fear,” Evangelista emphasized. “This initiative is not just about taking weapons off the streets; it’s about building trust with the people, showing that they can rely on the government and law enforcement to protect their rights and secure their future.”
Evangelista concluded, “With this act, we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring safe, free, and fair elections in 2025, not only in Region 1 but across the entire country.”