In a move to curb the misuse of firearms, the Philippine National Police (PNP) is actively supporting a legislative proposal aimed at tightening the regulations on purchasing materials used to manufacture ammunition. PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil emphasized the urgency of this initiative during his visit to the Police Regional Office-Cordillera in La Trinidad, Benguet. He stated that the proposed law would make it more challenging for individuals to acquire the necessary components for making bullets, thereby reducing the potential for harm even among those who possess firearms and know how to construct them.
Marbil highlighted that gunpowder, a critical component in ammunition, is imported and not produced domestically, suggesting that stricter controls on its importation and the distribution of ammunition shells could significantly decrease their availability. He stressed the importance of not only regulating firearms but also the parts and supplies essential for their operation.
During his visit, Marbil inspected over 400 homemade firearms surrendered in Abra province between 2023 and 2024, which included a variety of pistols, revolvers, shotguns, and rifles. In addition to reviewing these weapons, he also provided the provincial police offices with Starlink internet services and portable generators to enhance their operational capabilities.
Furthermore, Marbil discussed ongoing efforts to refine the organizational structure of the police force, proposing a new framework that categorizes police work into four specialized areas: intelligence, operations, information technology, and community relations. This restructuring aims to foster expertise among officers, allowing them to grow and specialize within the organization.