PNP recalls 737 firearms in ARMM to adhere to 1:1 gun policy

The Police Regional Office in the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (PRO-ARMM) recently recalled a total of 737 issued firearms after an internal audit revealed that 228 police personnel in the ARMM have more than one issued firearm, contrary to the Philippine National Police's 1:1 police-to-firearm ratio policy.

“The move was prompted by an earlier internal audit initiated by PRO-ARMM that led to the discovery of multiple issuance of firearms to personnel, even while there are some personnel who are yet to be issued service firearms,” the PNP said in a press statement.

The PNP said the recalled firearms will be re-issued to other units and personnel to be determined by PRO-ARMM based on the threat level and crime situation in various areas in the region.

In a press statement, PRO-ARMM regional director Chief Superintendent Noel Delos Reyes said the multiple issuance of firearms was observed regionwide including in Sulu Police Provincial Office (PPO).

Delos Reyes also denied that police forces in Sulu were inadequately equipped to perform anti-terrorism and anti-criminality operations in the province, adding that with the full implementation of the 1:1 firearms distribution policy as early as July 13, all 1,223 police officers of the Sulu PPO have been issued individual light weapons (M203 grenade launcher, M16, M14, BAR) or small firearms (shotgun, handgun).

He explained that personnel of Police Public Safety Company of Sulu PPO were prioritized in the distribution of Class A light weapons, while those assigned to administrative functions were issued small firearms.

“The same distribution policy was also observed in Municipal Police Stations in the province,” Delos Reyes said.

Delos Reyes said the Sulu PPO also has 50 Class A light weapons and 272 small arms on reserve at the Provincial Supply Accountable Office, even as the provincial police is yet to account for 335 firearms listed in its inventory but could not be found.

The PNP's 1:1 rationalized firearms distribution policy aims to ensure 100-percent fill-up of operational requirements for small arms and light weapons, particularly in maneuver units and frontline police stations, the PNP said. — Elizabeth Marcelo/BM, GMA News