A TOTAL of 21 firearms of various calibers, with expired licenses, were surrendered by 21 gun holders to the Guadalupe Police Station for safekeeping after a two-day Oplan Katok operation conducted from March 13 to 14, 2024, led by station chief Police Major Miles Damoslog.
The surrendered firearms were immediately documented at Guadalupe Police Station 9, while the renewal of their licenses is still being processed by the Philippine National Police (PNP).
The Cebu City police chief expressed gratitude to the gun holders for complying with the Oplan Katok initiative and voluntarily surrendering their firearms to police custody.
Police Colonel Enrico Figueroa assured that the firearms would be returned once all necessary documents for their renewal are completed.
Figueroa also emphasized that efforts to seize loose firearms will continue in line with the directive of Police Brigadier General Redrico Maranan, head of Police Regional Office-Central Visayas (PRO 7), especially with the upcoming midterm national and local elections on May 12, 2025.
The Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) aims for a peaceful and secure election, ensuring that voters can freely choose their preferred candidates without fear.
The CCPO also urged legitimate gun holders with expired licenses to surrender their firearms to the nearest police station for safekeeping.
They assured that no legal charges would be filed against them and that authorities are ready to assist in expediting their license renewal.
However, Figueroa warned that those who refuse to comply during Oplan Katok may face legal consequences, as the police will be forced to obtain search warrants and conduct operations, which could lead to criminal charges. (AYB)