Abra has 1,200 loose guns; many owned by politicians

BANGUED, Abra — At least 1,200 illegal firearms are believed to be in circulation in this conflict-stricken province, a sizable number in the hands of unscrupulous politicians and their bodyguards.

Police bared this saying this is a major deterrent to lasting peace, honest, orderly and peaceful elections next year in the province.

Chief Supt. Samuel B. Diciano, Cordillera police deputy regional director for administration, said local police have intensified operations against loose firearms to pressure gun holders to secure permits.

Diciano said nearly half of the 10,831 firearms in the region are illegal.

Out of the over 5,000 unlicensed firearms, the official revealed at least 1,200 guns have been identified to be in the possession of various individuals in Abra.

For two decades, Abra had been tagged as the killing fields of Northern Luzon because of the rampant political violence that led to the loss of innocent lives among politicians and their supporters.

While there is a snowballing support to peace efforts in the province, Diciano said, adding unlicensed firearms are a serious threat to the achievement of lasting peace.

He said local police are working double time to document unlicensed firearms.
Police confiscated at least 45 unlicensed firearms and charged the owners over the past two months.

With a firearms amnesty which started Oct. 1, the PNP had been accepting renewal of firearm licenses, registration of guns for the amnesty program and the enlistment of firearms with expired licenses.

After the May 2007 elections, local leaders in the province denounced violence as a means of disciplining and silencing people and assured local religious leaders of the implementation of peace programs. – Dexter A. See