RCSU monitoring security agencies, gun stores in Bangsamoro areas
COTABATO CITY --- Members of the police’s Regional Civil Security Unit-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region have been inspecting randomly since last week security agencies and firearm dealers here to check compliance with operating procedures and unregulated sale of handguns and rifles.
The efforts of the RCSU in the Bangsamoro region supports the peacekeeping efforts of the Philippine National Police in the Bangsamoro provinces, where there is a strong culture of love for guns among local residents.
Police Major Ben Kimayong, chief of the RCSU in the Bangsamoro region, told reporters Friday there are security agencies in areas under their jurisdiction that needs guidance on compliance with operational guidelines set by the PNP’s national headquarters.
He said they will continue to initiate continuing dialogues with the management of security agencies and operators of gun stores to ensure functionality based on operating procedures prescribed by the government.
One reason for RCSU’s extensive check of gun stores in the Bangsamoro is to prevent undue sale of firearms to “non-qualified” individuals. Love for guns is a strong culture among the local communities in the Bangsamoro region.
The region covers Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi and 63 barangays in North Cotabato province.
Certain security agencies were compliant with PNP regulations, while others were directed to improve their operation and comply with all requisites imposed by the government. [