200 Ilocos gun owners get licenses in caravan

By Joyah Mae C. Quimoyog

VIGAN CITY -- A total of 274 gun owners in Ilocos Sur renewed or applied licenses during a 2-day license to own and possess firearm application caravan here at Plaza Maestro Convention Center last week.

The caravan kicked off July 24 through the provincial government of Ilocos Sur with Gov. Ryan Luis Singson that coincided with the 3-day simultaneous nationwide application caravan of the Philippine National Police through its regional civil security units.

Applicants were required to undergo neurological examination, drug testing and gun safety tests during the submission of the other necessary requirements such as their government IDs, proof of residence, National Bureau of Investigation/police/barangay clearance and proof of income, among others.

"The caravan aimed to provide easier compilation of requirements for those applying for LTOPF as it is a one-stop shop processing and renewal of firearms license activity for firearms holders in the province," said Singson in an interview.

“Importante ito upang ma-register ang lahat ng firearms dito sa probinsya kasi we are promoting responsible gun ownership, at the same time, nakatipid ang ating mga residente kasi imbes na magtungo pa sila sa regional office o sa Maynila ay itong caravan na mismo ang lumapit sa kanila dito sa Ilocos Sur kaya malaking tulong ito sa mga Ilocos Surians,” he said.

The RCSU, in partnership with the Ilocos Sur Police Provincial Office through the Vigan City Police Office and the city government of Vigan, said applicants observed public health standard protocols as precation against Covid-19.

RCSU chief Col. Robert Paculan said participants were instructed to wait at the half lane of Jacinto Street, beside the said venue, before LTOPF processing in accordance to Executive Order No. 33 issued by Vigan City Mayor Juan Carlo Medina on July 23, 2020.

He said this was done to ensure strict compliance to minimum public health standard protocols such as but not limited to the enforcement of physical distancing and to prevent the disruption of vehicular flow for residents and business in the area.

 "As per the provincial government and the police provincial office, we will check our schedule this year para mag-conduct ulit tayo after three months baka by September or October ang susunod dito Ilocos Sur," Singson said. -- PIA Ilocos Sur