LAW enforcers in Cagayan de Oro are gearing for the implementation of the amnesty program for loose firearms as the Philippine National Police (PNP) is set to launch it throughout the country next week.

Acting City Police Director Noel Armilla said the 700-strong Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (Cocpo) is readying measures to implement the amnesty program throughout the city’s 80 barangays.

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As of May 2009, the PNP said the number of loose firearms has reached 1,110,277 of which 559,326 firearms have expired or unrenewed licenses, 15,676 firearms are with the threat groups, 5,726 firearms are with the criminal elements, and 523,550 of the unregistered firearms are with the general population.

Statistics also showed that from year 2004 to 2008, 97 percent of all the crime incidents involving firearms were committed using loose/unregistered firearms.

The amnesty program, which was approved by Malacañang earlier this month, aims to reduce gun-related violence in the 2010 elections.

It will officially start on August 1.

Armilla encouraged owners of unlicensed guns to register their weapons, saying it would ensure greater safety for homes and the community.

The PNP is targeting three percent monthly reduction in the country’s estimated 1.1 million loose firearms in the hands of threat groups, criminal elements, delinquent firearm owners and civilian gun holders.

However, Armilla had yet to confirm estimated figure of loose firearms in the city alone, waiting for the Regional Office to issue proper guidelines for the implementation of the program.

Executive Order (EO) 817 issued by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo orders the implementation of a National Firearms Control Program.

Under the same order, the PNP is tasked to conduct active police operations against unregistered firearms through random weapons check operations in crime-prone areas, mobile checkpoint and chokepoint operations, intelligence build-up, internal security operations, application of search warrants, and dismantling of private armed groups.

Effective August 1, 2009, police units will start processing applications for registration of loose firearms and renewal of expired licenses.

Holders of loose firearms who wish to avail of the amnesty offer are required to submit the gun for ballistics examination at the local police provincial offices after securing a Permit to Transport (PTT) Firearms from the municipal or city police station.

Application forms are available in all municipal, provincial, and regional PNP offices nationwide.

All PNP units have been given instructions to extend maximum assistance to all applicants for firearms registration. (ALR/With Sunnex)