Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte – May 25, 2025 — In a continuing effort to curb the proliferation of unregistered firearms, the Surigao del Norte Police Provincial Office (SDNPPO) reported the recovery of a loose firearm in a remote area of Gigaquit town on Friday, May 24.
According to police authorities, a concerned citizen from Barangay Mahanub alerted the Gigaquit Municipal Police Station (MPS) at around 7:00 AM about a possible firearm spotted in the mountainous area of Sitio Puhagan. Responding immediately, police personnel conducted a search and successfully recovered a .45 caliber pistol, along with one magazine containing three live rounds and a red sleeveless shirt marked with Latin letterings.
Provincial Director PCOL Warren E. Dablo commended the individual for taking the initiative to report the incident, highlighting the critical role that public cooperation plays in ensuring community safety.
“Our campaign against loose firearms promotes responsible gun ownership by emphasizing proper licensing, registration, and safe storage. We continually remind Surigaonons to register their firearms to avoid legal sanctions and prevent misuse, including threats or accidental involvement in criminal activities,” Dablo said.
The recovered items are now in the custody of the Gigaquit MPS for documentation and appropriate disposition.
Under Republic Act No. 10591, loose firearms are defined as unregistered guns, altered or tampered weapons, those reported lost or stolen, unlawfully manufactured firearms, or registered firearms held by someone other than the licensed owner.
Police authorities reiterated their call for the public to report any information regarding illegal firearms to prevent potential crimes and uphold peace and order in the province.