THE Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Regional Field Unit has seized at least 23 loose firearms in one week, as it implemented its “Oplan Huli-days” and “Oplan Paglalansag Omega.”
Police Colonel Peter Miguel Tagtag Jr. said of the 23 loose firearms, 19 were surrendered by some individuals, including barangays officials in Cebu City. The four others were confiscated in separate operations.
Tagtag said their operations targeted unlicensed firearms, as they aim to prevent crimes especially during the observance of All Saints’ and All Souls’ Day wherein a number of people are expected to troop to cemeteries.
“Ito po yung tinatawag nilang isang way of crime prevention, bale kukunin po natin ang mga baril especially kung crime incidents involving or use of firearms para maiwasan po natin yung mga ganung incident,” he said.
(This is one way to prevent crime, so we confiscate firearms especially that they can be used in crime incidents.)
Tagtag admitted that several other loose firearms have not been confiscated in Central Visayas yet. Loose firearms include those that have expired licenses.
This prompted the police to also launch “Oplan Katok” to find firearms that homeowners can surrender. (AYB/LMY)