PRO 7 To Identify Candidates In Central Visayas Who Own Licensed Guns

The Police Regional Office (PRO) 7 will identify the candidates in Central Visayas who own licensed firearms, an official said.

Senior Supt. Rey Lyndon Lawas, PRO 7 deputy director for operations, said they will ask politicians running in the May elections who also own guns to “deposit” their firearms for safekeeping during the local campaign period, which will start next month.

Lawas said they will consider this as a candidate’s gesture of support for the police’s campaign for a peaceful election.

They will also persuade the candidates to have the muzzle of their gun taped until after the elections.

“This would be a gesture on their part that they do not like violence. We are hoping the candidates will heed our call,” Lawas said.

Six candidates for local elective positions in Mandaue City were the first to heed this call.

They had the muzzles of their guns taped by officials of the Mandaue City Police Office.

Political supporters are also urged to join in these activities for violence-free elections, he said.

“In previous elections, it was not the candidates who were involved in some violent incidents. The supporters had participation,” Lawas said. (PNA) SCS/EB/RSM