PNP: 91 firearms registered to Senator Bato dela Rosa still unaccounted for

MANILA – The Philippine National Police said Monday that 91 firearms registered to Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa remain unaccounted for following the administrative revocation of his firearms license and registrations.

At a press briefing at Camp Crame, Civil Security Group (CSG) Director Maj. Gen. Alden Lagradante said the PNP is accounting for 117 firearms registered to Dela Rosa, of which 26 have been turned over.

Lagradante said the PNP continues to coordinate with Dela Rosa’s legal officer, who has submitted a request for reconsideration of the license revocation.

"Continuous 'yung ating coordination to his legal officer (We are continuously coordinating with his legal officer). Their last letter submitted was actually for reconsideration," he said.

Lagradante said under existing rules, the firearms should be surrendered while the PNP continues efforts to account for the remaining weapons.

He added that the PNP is also continuing its nationwide campaign to account for loose firearms, noting that it is dealing with about 1.1 million expired firearms and around 300,000 revoked licenses.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said loose firearms are often involved in violent crimes, including murder, homicide and physical injuries.

“Our campaign against loose firearms is a continuing one lalong-lalo na (especially) it is one of the denominators in the commission of crime,” Nartatez said in the same briefing.

He reminded licensed firearm owners to properly secure their weapons and comply with registration requirements.