Central luzon: Police Regional Office (PRO) 3 operatives confiscated 250 loose firearms and arrested 115 individuals during an intensified campaign against illegal and unregistered firearms across Central Luzon from June 20 to August 9.
According to Philippines News Agency, PRO3 chief Brig. Gen. Ponce Rogelio Pe±ones Jr. stated that the operations included confiscations through search warrants, checkpoint operations, and incidental surrenders, along with firearms voluntarily deposited by citizens.
Nueva Ecija recorded the highest number of recovered loose firearms with 72, followed by Bulacan and Bataan with 27 each, Pampanga with 22, Tarlac with 21, Zambales with 20, and Aurora with 19. Of the 115 individuals arrested, 110 cases have already been filed in court.
Pe±ones emphasized that the removal of these firearms from communities contributes to public safety, noting that each recovered firearm eliminates a potential tool for crime. He assured that the campaign against illegal and loose firearms will continue without letup, stressing that peace and order are best achieved through prevention, swift enforcement, and active community participation.