Camp Quintin Merecido, Buhangin, Davao City — In a symbolic gesture of peace and disarmament, the Police Regional Office 11 (PRO 11) led by Regional Director PBGEN Leon Victor Z. Rosete destroyed 31 unserviceable firearms during a ceremonial event held on April 25, 2025, at the PRO 11 Grandstand.
The cache of destroyed firearms included high-powered weapons such as M16 and M14 rifles, AK-47s, Garand and Carbine rifles, shotguns, grenade launchers, and a pistol. These weapons were either recovered during law enforcement operations, surrendered by civilians, or turned over by former combatants. All were deemed unfit for use and posed potential risks if left unattended.
“These firearms were once used to spread fear and violence. Their destruction today is a strong message of our ongoing efforts to end crime and build lasting peace in our communities,” said PBGEN Rosete during his address.
The event was witnessed by representatives from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM), and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), reinforcing the collaborative efforts among agencies to maintain public safety and support national peacebuilding initiatives.
The move comes as the country gears up for the May 2025 national and local elections. PRO 11 emphasized its commitment to ensure clean, honest, and peaceful elections throughout the region.
However, while the destruction of firearms is laudable, the method of manually cutting the guns with equipment like saws remains laborious and time-consuming. If only the Philippine National Police (PNP) had its own smelting plant to completely melt down and recycle these weapons, the process could be faster, more efficient, and environmentally sound. It would also symbolize a total transformation—from instruments of violence into raw materials that could serve more productive purposes.
As the public continues to support peace and security programs, investments in proper facilities and equipment for disarmament would further strengthen the PNP’s ability to carry out its mission and better serve the people.
