A TOTAL of 574 different kinds of firearms have been confiscated in Central Luzon since the start of the election season on January 13, 2019.

This was disclosed by Philippine National Police Chief Oscar Albayalde during his visit Friday, April 5, to give instructions to all provincial and city directors regarding the forthcoming national and local elections.

Albayalde said that police seized 148 pistols, 277 revolvers, 25 rifles and 85 shotguns.

The guns were seized in various provinces: Aurora, three; Bataan, 38; Bulacan, 111; Nueva Ecija, 207; Pampanga, 95; Tarlac, 58; Zambales, 32; Angeles City, 23; and Olongapo City, seven.

There were also 3,560 deadly weapons, 27 hand grenades and 3,437 assorted ammunition that were confiscated.

The firearms were confiscated from 33,923 checkpoint operations which resulted in the arrest of 34 persons. During these operations, 24 were killed.

For his part, Police Brigadier General Joel Napoleon Coronel, Police Regional Office Central Luzon director, said they will continue the drive to recover and to confiscate guns through police operations and search warrants.

“Time and again, I am encouraging the public to report any illegal activities and we need your support to continue helping us in our fight against all forms of criminality as we aim for safe and secure mid-term elections this May,” Coronel said. (Ric Sapnu)