The Ilocos Norte Police Provincial Office (INPPO) on Monday said 27 more firearms were turned over to them for safekeeping to ensure a safe and secure election period and promote responsible ownership.
In a briefing at Camp Capt. Valentin S. Juan in this city, Maj. Sheryll Guzman, information officer and chief of INPPO’s Provincial Community Affairs Development Unit, said the firearms were surrendered and deposited from March 17 to 23 in connection with the nationwide implementation of the election gun ban.
Under Oplan Timpuyog, INPPO has been conducting dialogues with electoral candidates in various cities and municipalities regarding the May 12 midterm elections. Among the topics were the latest election rules and regulations.
The candidates, during the dialogues, were also encouraged to support the plans and programs of the police particularly on peace and order activities.
“The Oplan Timpuyog aims to promote safe and secure elections and to address political tensions ahead of the May 2025 elections,” Guzman said.
According to Guzman, of the 21 towns and two cities of Ilocos Norte, only candidates from the municipalities of Carasi and Piddig have yet to participate in the dialogue.
Dialogues for the candidates from these municipalities, however, are already scheduled this week, she added.
On March 18, INPPO reported that 1,426 assorted firearms have already been surrendered and deposited by local candidates and their supporters to the police for safekeeping.
Meanwhile, INPPO is also spearheading a covenant signing and unity walk across the province in connection with the upcoming elections. (Leilanie Adriano)
(Source” PNA)