The Provincial Government of Samar has intensified its peace and order campaign by supporting the Balik-Armas Program of the Samar Police Provincial Office (SPPO).
Governor Sharee Ann Tan has given cash assistance of P10,000.00 to civilians who voluntarily surrendered their unlicensed but serviceable or functional firearms at the Tandaya Hall, Provincial Capitol Compound, Catbalogan City.
In her message, Tan thanked the police officers for their relentless efforts in promoting peace and order in the province.
“No matter how much we push this in the province, there is only so much that we can do.”
“Congratulations to the Samar Police Provincial Office on these remarkable accomplishments. I would also like to thank our Chiefs of Police and police officers for your efforts. If not for you, this program would not have materialized. No matter how much we push this in the province, there is only so much that we can do,” the lady governor said.
She also thanked the civilians, saying, “Thank you for responding positively to this program. This act of surrendering firearms only means that you have no ill intention in using them.”
Meanwhile, SPPO Provincial Director PCol Antonietto Eric Mendoza, who led the Balik-Armas Program, disclosed that this initiative resulted in the surrender of 43 firearms, 22 of which were considered serviceable.
“This is an effort that forms part of our security preparations for the 2025 National and Local Elections.”
“This is an effort that forms part of our security preparations for the 2025 National and Local Elections, aimed at reducing the possibility of gun-related incidents in the Province of Samar. These surrendered firearms symbolize trust and cooperation between the community and law enforcement,” Mendoza explained.
He likewise stated that the Balik-Armas Program will continue in 2025 and encouraged civilians in possession of unlicensed firearms to surrender them.
During the event, the SPPO also presented the surrendered improvised firearms and other surrendered firearms for safekeeping.
These firearms will undergo accounting and record checking and will eventually be endorsed for demilitarization.
