330 FIREARMS SURRENDERED IN ILOCOS AHEAD OF POLL GUN BAN

January 12, 2025 Provincial

LAOAG CITY

The Ilocos Norte police on Thursday announced the turn-over of 330 firearms from the province’s towns and cities as part of ensuring a safe and secure election period while promoting responsible ownership. Ahead of the Jan. 12 start of election gun ban, Police Col. Frederick Obar, Ilocos Norte Police Provincial Office director, expressed gratitude to the owners of 255 firearms with expired licenses who brought their arms to the nearest police stations.

At the same time, a total of 75 loose firearms earlier confiscated, surrendered, and recovered by the city and
municipal police stations are now under the custody of the Provincial Supply and Accountable Office (PSAO) of the INPPO for safekeeping. These include shotguns, caliber 45, 38 revolver, 9mm and magazines, and ammunition of
other assault light and high powered firearms. In his short message during the turnover ceremony, Obar
reiterated that the police force is firm in sustaining the peace and order situation in the province.

“This is part of the anti-criminality campaign and in preparation for peaceful and orderly elections,” he said during the event at the Camp Valentin S. Juan in this city, witnessed by representatives of the Commission on Elections
(Comelec) and the Bureau of Fire Protection. During the program, provincial Comelec officer Joel Gines, commended the efforts of the PNP and the community for their proactive involvement in promoting peace and security.

LA/PNA