Celso, PNP, AFP lead review of gun ban policies
Mayor Celso Lobregat Thursday presides over the multi-sectoral meeting to review and update the guidelines on the gun ban instittuted by the city government in 2004 in preparation for the Summit on Gun Ban on Saturday, Nov. 14. In photo are Councilors Nonong Guingona and Amman Nuño. (JOEY BAUTISTA)
Mayor Celso Lobregat yesterday sought multi-sectoral groups in the city to review and update policies in the implementation of the gun ban instituted by the city government in 2004.
The 9-page guidelines on the gun ban will be presented during the Summit set to be held in the city Saturday, Nov. 14 in line with the directive of Philippine National Police Chief Gen. Jesus Versoza to make Zamboanga City a pilot area in the implementation of the firearms ban.
Mayor Lobregat said there are circumstances in Zamboanga City that do not exist in other areas in Mindanao. These challenges include the existence of 3 military camps in the city which is why in numerous instances military personnel or their agents are the ones apprehended for violating the ban; Zamboanga is the entry and exit point to many islands and provinces in Mindanao and that the city is where many government officials of other provinces are residing with their security escorts.
“Zamboanga City is the place where the gun ban will be implemented and if it can be implemented here despite the numerous challenges, then there is no reason why it cannot be implemented in other areas,” the mayor said.
The Summit, initiated by the PNP in coordination with the city government and other stakeholders, is in line with the gun amnesty which will expire by the end of this month and the forthcoming COMELEC ban.
“So we are citing the difficulties of the implementation and that is why we are being made the pilot area,” Lobregat said.
He stressed that the policies of the existing gun ban are being reviewed and updated to further strengthen its implementation.
Among the amendments being instituted in the guidelines is the non-recognition of the mission order or letter order as a justification to the carrying of unlicensed firearms.
Meanwhile, Lobregat appealed to holders of lose or unlicensed or even with expired licenses of firearm to avail of the ongoing amnesty of the national government. The amnesty has been extended until the end of November.
Based on records, there are 6,700 holders of expired licenses and so far only 1,000 have availed of the amnesty.
“The deadline was supposed to be last day of October but it was extended to the end of November so we appeal to all gun holders with expired licenses or those with no licenses to avail of the amnesty and register your firearms,” Lobregat added.
Present during the meeting were top military and police officers that included DIPO Director P/CSupt. Felizardo Serapio Jr.; PRO-9 Chief Gen. Angel Sunglao, PRO-9 Chief of Directorial Staff Col. Mario Yanga; City Police OIC Director Col. Amador Corpus; Task Force Zamboanga Chief Col. Santiago Baluyot and representatives from the different sectors of the city. (Sheila Covarrubias)