A resident of Baybay City, Leyte voluntarily surrendered a caliber-.45 pistol to authorities after allegedly discovering the firearm while digging in his backyard, the Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) said.
According to the PNP-HPG, personnel of the Leyte Norte Provincial Highway Patrol Team facilitated the turnover on May 11 at their office in Barangay Gaas, Baybay City.
Authorities said the surrendered items included an Armscor caliber-.45 pistol, two magazines, and two live rounds of ammunition.
Initial investigation showed the resident found the firearm earlier that day while digging an area intended for a septic tank.
Police said the firearm was surrendered voluntarily and without force or coercion.
The recovered pistol and ammunition were inventoried and placed under the temporary custody of the Leyte Norte Provincial Highway Patrol Team before being turned over to the Regional Highway Patrol Unit 8 for proper disposition.
PNP-HPG Director Police Brig. Gen. Rommel Batangan urged the public to coordinate with authorities regarding undocumented firearms, saying voluntary surrender helps prevent loose weapons from being used in crimes or other security threats.
“We encourage the public to voluntarily surrender undocumented firearms and immediately coordinate with authorities to help maintain peace and public safety in the community,” Batangan said.
The PNP-HPG said it will continue supporting government efforts to account for loose firearms and strengthen public safety in local communities.