WESTERN Province locals are urged to hand over firearms now before the law catches up on them after June 9.

This is according to the Western Province Acting Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Vincent Eria yesterday.

“On behalf of the Commissioner of Police, I would like to reiterate the call of the National Government to the good citizens of Western Province,” said the Acting PPC.

“The final amnesty programme is now on progress starting on the 22nd of May and concluding on the 9th of June so please bring in firearms as we believe there are few still being possessed by locals.

“This call starts from Gatokae to the very tip of the Shortland Islands as there will be no excuse after the 9th of June if one is being caught with firearms,” added the PPC.

Western Province Police are currently passing through the information of the final amnesty and voluntary surrender of firearms for destruction through the Crime Prevention Strategy Committee’s being set up within the Wards of the province.

Hopefully according to the Acting PPC, many locals of Western Province will return their firearms before the due date is up.

“Firearms handed over will be a good sign in contributing with other provinces as well to promote peace,” said the Acting PPC.