GUNS made in Danao City may be of good quality but they are still illegal and production should be stopped, Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Oscar Albayalde said yesterday.
This, as he encouraged gun owners to register their guns, saying their presence is often a deterrent to criminals.
“It’s not encouraging to the point na kung sino-sino nalang ang pwedeng mag-own ng firearms. Responsible gun owners contribute to sustainable living, to living in peace,” Albayalde said in a press conference at the opening of ARMSCOR Tactical, Survival and Arms Expo in SM City Cebu, where he was guest of honor.
The PNP chief also said that gun owners who have firearms that are not registered or were registered late may soon avail themselves of an amnesty.
“We have this amnesty and it is forthcoming, we’re just waiting for the final guidelines from the Office of the President. This is to encourage those who have firearms to register so that we can account for them properly instead of keeping them without a license,” he said.
As for guns being manufactured in Danao City, Albayalde said that although the guns are of good quality, they are illegal.
“Yung mga hindi naman licensed, kailangan talagang matigil yan at ma-raid yan. We still have this problem... Yung paltik na tinatawag, mas maganda pa nga yung gawa dito, akala mo original, with the markings and all,” he said.
Martin Tuason, president of the ARMSCOR Global Defense, said the expo focuses not only on guns but also on overall survival.
Also on display at the SM City Cebu Trade Hall are medical equipment, military accessories, knives and other items that ensure one’s survival in emergency situations.
A booth where gun owners can process their license to own and possess firearms (LTOPF) was set up. There will also be lectures by experts on the field of security, defense and survival will also be held.
The expo, which started yesterday, will run until June 18. (JOB)