GUNS, goons and gold will not work under the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte, who is seriously working towards a peaceful election next year.

This was the reaction of Presidential Assistant Michael Lloyd Dino to the seizure of about P3 million worth of loose firearms in Danao City last week.

“Guns, goons and gold are a thing of the past. This supposed practice of old politicians, who may have been in power for 30 years or so, should stop at once,” Dino said. Dino said loose firearms should be prevented from circulating.

He said that one way of stopping goons and loose firearms is to implement Oplan Paglalansag, a police campaign against private armies and loose firearms.

“The Filipino electorate is assured of honest, orderly and peaceful elections in May 2019,” Dino said. Tuburan Mayor Democrito “Aljun” Diamante, president of the League of Municipalities-Cebu Chapter, echoed Dino’s sentiments.

“There may be isolated cases of violence in the next election, but the entire polls will be peaceful,” Diamante said. Earlier, Danao City Mayor Ramon “Nito” Durano III and his son, Rep. Ramon “Red” Durano VI (Cebu, 5th district), said the seized firearms are products of the residents’ illegal livelihood. They urged illegal gun makers to shift to the legitimate business of metal works and design. (EOB)