Seizing those loose guns thru "OPLAN BAKAL"

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) under the able leadership of Secretary, Hon. Alfredo s. Lim launched recently a project called "Oplan Bakal" to help stop the proliferation of loose firearms and the unabated carrying of unlicensed firearms in the country.

The project which is being implemented by the DILG Task Force Katapat headed by Chief Supt. Romeo B. Maganto hopes to complement the national government's "Balik-Baril, Bayad-Agad" program.  Oplan Bakal aims to lawfully confiscate loose firearms from holders/owners while the said program intends to offer individuals or groups some amounts in exchange for their deadly weapons.  In addition, the program is being implemented especially in Central Mindanao, where there is a prevailing underground purchase of arms by the cash-rich Abu Sayyaf group to continue with their kidnap-for-ransom activity.

The military estimates that there are about 270,000 loose firearms spread across the archipelago.  The present administration's success in the campaign against loose firearms and the unregulated use of licensed firearms, through the DILG, DND, AFP, PNP, the local government units and other sectors concerned, implies that the commission of crimes will hopefully be abated and that long and lasting peace may finally reign in the country.

There are no problems in possessing firearms as long as we have permit to carry them especially outside our residence and that we are responsible holders.  To protect ourselves as well as our properties, we need to carry guns.  It is sad to note that in the country, we have private armies, political warlords, syndicated crime groups, terrorist groups and individuals who carry guns for their illicit activities.

Sec. Lim expressed optimism that the "Oplan Bakal" project will succeed through total community involvement as there is really no better substitute to living in a gun-less and peaceful society.