Guv to buy loose firearms

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- An army general suggested to Governor Lilia Pineda on Thursday to buy loose firearms to prevent groups from using them in unlawful activities.

Brigadier General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr., commander of the 7th Infantry (“Kaugnay”) Division, said the campaign against the proliferation of unlicensed firearms was intensified as part of the continuing effort of the government to ensure the holding of safe and fair elections next year.

"Isa-suggest kuna ito kay Governor Lilia Pineda at sa Provincial Government na bilhin na lamang niya ang mga hindi lisensiyadong baril para hindi na magamit ito ng ibang tao na gustong manggulo," he said.

The suggestion was made by Catapang during the peace and order summit held at Lubao town in the presence of the Provincial Election Officer Lydia Pangilinan, Local Government Regional Director Myrvi Fabian, Police Provincial Director R'win Pagkalinawan and local officials from the second district of the province.

Catapang warned individuals who refuse to surrender guns, saying he will not hesitate to apply the full force of the law against criminal elements.

"Kapag may nalaman ako na may baril sa barangay ay dadalhin ko at paiikutan ko kahit sa isang battalion ng army mahuli lamang ang nagmamay ari nito. Masaya naman ako dahil narinig ko na tuloy tuloy ang kampanya ng pulis ukol dito," he told the local officials.