Tuyen Quang Province Enhances Security Through Voluntary Weapon Surrender Campaign

In Tuyenquang Province, northern Vietnam, a campaign is underway to encourage residents to voluntarily surrender firearms, explosives, support tools, and fireworks, aiming to maintain peace and security at the grassroots level. This initiative focuses on areas with significant ethnic minority populations, where the use of homemade weapons, such as flintlock and alcohol guns for hunting or crop protection, remains a concern due to inherent safety risks. The provincial police, in coordination with the provincial People's Committee, launched a high-profile campaign from July 15 to October 15, 2026, under the message "Proactively surrender weapons, explosives, support tools, and fireworks to protect yourself, your family, and your community." Law enforcement agencies have actively collaborated with village elders, heads of hamlets, Party cell secretaries, and clan leaders, leveraging their influence to explain the tragic consequences of using homemade weapons and the legal repercussions. This approach has led to a shift in attitude, with many households voluntarily bringing their homemade guns and fireworks to police stations, and even encouraging relatives to do the same. Mr. Phan Van Quyen from Lang Vang village, Vi Xuyen commune, shared his experience: "Previously, I kept a gun mainly for hunting and thought that keeping it at home wouldn't affect anyone. After being educated and explained by the commune police, I understood that possessing a homemade gun is both dangerous and violates the law, so I voluntarily brought it to surrender. My family also reminds our children not to manufacture or use these weapons." Since the campaign began in July 2026, local police have organized 468 propaganda sessions attended by over 68,000 people. More than 25,000 households and over 14,000 individuals have signed commitments to comply with regulations on managing and using weapons, explosives, support tools, and fireworks. To date, 263 homemade guns, 283 bullets, 29 detonators, 47 rudimentary weapons, 11 components, and 27 support tools have been surrendered. Residents are also actively providing information about illegal possession and use. Lieutenant Colonel Trieu Van Chung, Head of Thuan Hoa Commune Police, highlighted that the campaign's effectiveness stems from the involvement of the entire political system. Police work closely with mass organizations and community influencers, integrating social welfare activities to foster stronger community ties. He noted that when people understand the law and the dangers of homemade weapons, they become more willing to surrender them. "The most difficult aspect of persuading people to surrender weapons is changing long-held habits. Therefore, we must meet them multiple times, not just once, collaborating with village heads, reputable individuals, and families to explain. When people understand that surrendering weapons is primarily about protecting themselves and their loved ones, the persuasion process becomes smoother," shared Lt. Col. Trieu Van Chung. In Thong Nguyen Commune, a unique "Exchange weapons, explosives, support tools, and fireworks for gifts" model has been implemented. Residents voluntarily surrender their weapons and receive practical gifts like instant noodles, beverages, and fish sauce, funded by socialized contributions from local businesses. This initiative has encouraged 15 households to surrender 12 homemade guns and three rudimentary weapons. The article emphasizes that eradicating homemade weapons requires not only administrative measures but also a fundamental shift in public awareness. Propaganda must be proactive, persuasion persistent, and methods tailored to local conditions, while leveraging the roles of the political system and community opinion leaders. The voluntary surrender of weapons is contributing to a safer and more peaceful living environment, enhancing legal compliance, and strengthening national security and order from the grassroots, thereby providing a solid foundation for the "All People Defend National Security" movement.