GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Philippines – The Police Regional Office 12 (PRO-12) has strengthened its campaign for responsible firearm ownership after successfully accounting for and securing the turnover of 31 firearms across General Santos City and South Cotabato under the Accounting and Disposition of Firearms with Expired Registration (ADFER) program.
The accomplishment forms part of the Philippine National Police’s continuing efforts to ensure that all licensed firearms remain properly documented and to prevent expired or unregistered firearms from being used in criminal activities.
According to reports submitted by the General Santos City Police Office (GSCPO) and the South Cotabato Police Provincial Office (SCPPO), police personnel carried out a series of Oplan Katok operations, which included house-to-house visitations, dialogues with firearm owners, and validation of individuals whose Licenses to Own and Possess Firearms (LTOPF) and firearm registrations had already expired.
The operations resulted in the voluntary deposit or turnover of 31 firearms, demonstrating the growing cooperation of licensed gun owners with authorities in complying with firearm regulations.
In addition, police reported that five firearms are currently undergoing renewal processing, indicating that their owners have initiated the necessary steps to legalize and update their firearm documentation.
Aside from the surrendered firearms, authorities also conducted extensive verification of firearm holders with various registration statuses. These included confirming registered owners who had already passed away, validating firearms covered by deeds of sale, documenting firearms reported as lost, and identifying records requiring further investigation due to firearm holders being unavailable or having transferred residence.
The ADFER program is designed not only to update firearm records but also to ensure that firearms no longer under the control of their registered owners are properly accounted for, reducing the risk of these weapons falling into the hands of unauthorized individuals.
PBGEN Alan B. Manibog, Acting Regional Director of PRO-12, underscored the importance of responsible firearm ownership and compliance with existing firearms laws.
“Every firearm that is properly accounted for and processed is a step toward a safer community. We continue to encourage firearm owners to be responsible and cooperate with our program to prevent unauthorized firearms from being used in any illegal activity,” Manibog said.
PRO-12 reiterated that the ADFER initiative remains a key component of the PNP’s broader campaign to promote public safety, strengthen firearm accountability, and reduce the proliferation of undocumented firearms across Region 12.
Authorities likewise encouraged all firearm owners with expired licenses or registrations to coordinate with the nearest police office and complete the necessary renewal or disposition