CAMP CRAME — A gun collector from Davao City, Jesus Martinez, voluntarily turned over 25 high-powered and assorted loose firearms, along with ammunition and explosives, to the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday. The ceremonial turnover, aimed at encouraging others to surrender unregistered weapons, was led by Acting PNP Chief PLt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. at Camp Crame.
Martinez, chairperson of the PNP Integrity Monitoring and Enforcement Group (IMEG) Advisory Council, said the firearms—valued at around ₱1 million—were part of his collection from the 1980s amnesty period. He urged his fellow IMEG advisory group members, numbering 20,000 nationwide, as well as private gun owners, to follow his example.
“I am doing this to convince others to do the same,” Martinez said. “Loose firearms must not fall into the wrong hands.”
High-Powered Weapons Included
The surrendered items include:
- 4 — Caliber 7.62 M14 Rifles
- 1 — Caliber 5.56 Colt M4 Rifle
- 4 — Caliber .30 High-Performance Rifles (HPR)
- 3 — Caliber .45 Grease Submachine Guns
- 1 — 9mm SIG Submachine Gun M10
- 12 — Twelve-gauge Shotguns
- 40 — Rounds of Caliber 7.62 Ammunition
- 30 — Rounds of Caliber 5.56 Ammunition
- 2 — Magazines for Caliber 7.62
- 2 — Magazines for Caliber .30
- 12 — Rounds of 40mm Grenade Launcher Ammunition (now under Regional EOD Canine Unit 11)
- 3 — Fragmentation Hand Grenades (also under Regional EOD Canine Unit 11)
Weapons Undergoing Adjudication
IMEG officials said the surrendered firearms and explosives will undergo an adjudication process to determine whether they can still be used, recommended for donation to other government agencies, or permanently disposed of.
PLt. Gen. Nartatez praised Martinez for setting a strong example, noting that loose firearms continue to drive violent crimes nationwide. “This act demonstrates leadership and responsibility,” Nartatez said. “We hope more civilians, collectors, and advisory group members will follow suit to ensure these weapons do not end up with criminal elements.”
A Call for Nationwide Compliance
Authorities estimate that tens of thousands of loose firearms remain unregistered or unaccounted for in the country. Martinez’s voluntary surrender, officials say, could inspire others to come forward and hand over their undocumented weapons.
The PNP reiterated that voluntary surrender not only helps avoid legal consequences but also directly contributes to public safety, supporting the national campaign against gun-related crimes.