‘P3M seized guns no link to polls’

Seized. Firearms worth P3 million were confiscated in Danao City. Officials say this has nothing to do with next year’s elections, adding that Danao has always been known as a gun-producing community. Government is, however, encouraging its citizens to divert their skills to metal works and design.  (SunStar Foto / Kevin A. Lagunda)
Seized. Firearms worth P3 million were confiscated in Danao City. Officials say this has nothing to do with next year’s elections, adding that Danao has always been known as a gun-producing community. Government is, however, encouraging its citizens to divert their skills to metal works and design. (SunStar Foto / Kevin A. Lagunda)

THE P3-million worth of firearms that were seized in Danao City the other day has nothing to do with next year’s elections.

This was the comment yesterday of Rep. Ramon “Red” Durano (Cebu, 5th District), adding that Danao City has been known for its gun-manufacturing industry for as long as he could remember.

“Gun-making in Danao City is already a backyard industry and a means of livelihood. That is why we are trying to look for ways on how to regulate and legalize it,” Durano said.

Durano said that two institutions, namely, Danao Manufacturing Corp. (Damancor), which was registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC); and World Multipurpose Cooperative (Worrd-MPC), which was registered with the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), were authorized to manufacture firearms.

He said these two firms used to provide jobs to the citizens and taxes, but they eventually closed shop from lack of support from government.

Durano said they are encouraging displaced workers to divert their skills to metal works and design.

“First things first. We have to convince the gun-makers to move to this direction because this will be a big change for them,” Durano said.

For his part, the lawmaker’s father, Danao City Mayor Ramon “Nito” Durano III, said that gun-making is a highly-regulated industry.

“Those who are into the trade of gun-making, but without the necessary permits, should know the consequence of their acts; they will be arrested,” the mayor said.

“We fully support this (anti-illegal gun-making) campaign as more and more livelihood opportunities are made available by government and the private sector. We hope illegal gun-making among the few will finally stop,” he said.

Tuburan, Cebu Mayor Democrito “Aljun” Diamante, president of the League of Municipalities in the Philippines (LMP) Cebu Chapter, refused to comment on the gun seizure.

But he said they can expect a peaceful and honest election, although there might be some isolated cases of violence, which can easily be addressed by the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Meanwhile, Cebu City Councilor Joel Garganera commended the police for the seizure of guns worth P3 million.

In a text message to SunStar Cebu, Garganera said violence and vote-buying are usually seen during the political campaign period, especially in hotly-contested areas.

“Gunsmith is a valued profession going to the election this May. What better time to sell their wares, but during the period before the filing (of certificates of candidacy) when the gun ban is not yet imposed. I commend the police in going after these activities,” he said. EOB with RVC

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