In Samar province, local leaders are expressing optimism about the upcoming 2025 elections, attributing their hope to the success of the ‘Balik-Armas’ campaign. This initiative encourages residents to surrender their illegally owned firearms, aiming to reduce potential violence during the electoral period.
Governor Sharee Ann Tan has actively promoted the campaign, urging police chiefs and village officials to encourage gun owners to turn in their unlicensed or expired-licensed firearms. Speaking at an event in Catbalogan City, Tan emphasized the importance of this initiative in preventing election-related violence, which often escalates due to political rivalries.
The event showcased the surrender of 43 firearms, with an additional 30 firearms designated for safekeeping and 393 improvised firearms also turned in. These were distributed across 16 of the 24 police stations and two mobile force companies in the province.
Governor Tan expressed gratitude towards the police for their dedication to maintaining peace and order. She also thanked the civilians for their cooperation, noting that their willingness to surrender firearms indicates a commitment to non-violence.
Col. Antoneitto Eric Mendoza, the Samar police provincial director, highlighted that the ‘Balik-Armas’ program is designed to encourage residents, especially in conflict-affected and remote areas, to voluntarily surrender unregistered firearms. This initiative is part of a broader effort to promote responsible firearm ownership and curb the spread of illegal weapons, which are often associated with crime and violence.
Mendoza stressed that the program is a vital step towards a safer Samar, with the surrendered firearms undergoing ballistic examinations to determine if they have been used in any criminal activities.