Up to eight unlicensed firearms or firearms whose licenses have expired were surrendered to the Talisay City Police Office through ‘Project BALA (Barangay Ayaw sa Ligaw na Armas)’ piloted in Barangay Jaclupan.

Former Jaclupan Barangay Captain and current councilman Joel Orbiso was the first to turn his firearm over to authorities after its license expired in 2023.

The barangay also turned over a 9mm pistol that has not been registered reportedly since the 1980s, as well as its bullets.

Two so-called ‘locally made’ guns that use bullets of an M16 firearm were also turned in.

Four unregistered .38 caliber revolvers were also handed over to the police.

The police said earlier that it is better to have unregistered firearms placed under its custody while owners process the registration papers.

Orbiso said purok leaders visited houses whose owners they knew kept firearms.

P/Lt. Col, Epream Paguyod, chief of the Talisay City Police Station, warned residents that they conduct surveillance once they receive information of residents in possession of firearms.

Personnel of the 14th Civil Military Operations Battalion of Southern Cebu were present during the launch of ‘Project BALA.’

Authorities will visit other mountain barangays in Talisay City next.

The project aims to help reduce criminality in the city.