SOME 808 gun-related crimes have been recorded so far this year, the PNP reported yesterday as it eased restrictions on the civilian ownership of rifles.
PNP spokeswoman Col. Jean Fajardo said there were 5,172 gun-related incidents or crimes recorded in 2022 and 4,956 last year throughout the country.
“For this year, 2024, we have already recorded 808 (incidents),” Fajardo told a press briefing at Camp Crame.
“And the nature of these incidents, majority of these are shooting incidents, alarm and scandals, grave threats, (and) robbery,” Fajardo also said.
During the period covered, Fajardo said 3,792 cases have been filed before the courts.
She said 3,792 cases have been referred to prosecutors and 3,774 cases are still under police investigation.
The PNP has allowed civilians to own semi-automatic rifles after amending the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
Civilians are still not allowed to own fully automatic rifles, which are used by government forces.
Fajardo said there are an estimated 700,000 loose firearms throughout the country, possibly including semi-automatic rifles.
