Misamis Occidental governor orders police to step up drive against loose firearms

Misamis Occidental Governor Henry S. Oaminal has directed the Philippine National Police (PNP) to intensify its campaign against loose firearms, citing recent gun-related threats and killings in the province, according to Mindanao Times.

The governor gave the order on September 30 during a joint third-quarter meeting of the Provincial Development Council, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, the Misamis Occidental Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council (MOPADAC) and the Provincial Peace and Order Council. The meeting was held at the Asenso Misamis Occidental Sports and Cultural Center.

Oaminal pointed to recent incidents in the towns of Calamba, Bonifacio and Lopez Jaena as reasons for stronger action. Speaking partly in Cebuano, he said loose firearms were among the problems the province faced in the past, according to a translation provided by the outlet. "Let us intensify the campaign against loose firearms," he told officials and police.

He warned that if the issue is not addressed, the province could slip back to a time when organized crime groups, illegal drugs and armed goons operated there, with their activities reaching into other provinces.

The governor assured law enforcement agencies that the provincial government has enough funds to support peace and order operations aimed at preventing illegal activities.

He also asked the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and MOPADAC to strengthen their anti-illegal drug campaign as part of the province's ongoing peace and security efforts.

Oaminal stressed that sustained law enforcement, adequate funding and close coordination among agencies are needed to protect communities and keep the province's gains in peace and order, Mindanao Times reported.