THE Police Regional Office in Central Visayas (PRO 7) has so far neutralized 12 gun-for-hire groups from January 12, 2025, up to April 2025.
Police Brigadier General Redrico Maranan, head of the police in Central Visayas, said they have arrested nearly 40 members of these groups and seized 300 loose firearms.
Since the start of the election period on January 12, 2025, Police General Rommel Marbil issued a directive to all police units across the Philippines to target criminal gangs operating in various areas, as part of the security preparations for the National and Local Elections on May 12, 2025.
"Naka neutralize na tayo ng labing dalawa na gun for hire groups dito sa Region 7 at naka aresto na tayo ng halos 40 na members and leaders ng gun-for-hire groups at naka confiscate na tayo ng more than 300 loose firearms," said Maranan.
(We have neutralized 12 gun-for-hire groups in Region 7, arrested almost 40 members and leaders of these groups, and confiscated more than 300 loose firearms.)
Maranan added that he is now focusing on apprehending gun manufacturers operating in Cebu province, as they are the source of the loose firearms used by criminals.
With only two weeks left until the election, he has ordered all City and Provincial Police Offices to intensify their campaign against criminal gangs to ensure a peaceful election.
Last week, a hitman from a gun-for-hire group was captured by the Mabolo police station, responsible for the shooting of a man in Barangay Busay.
He initially did not disclose the leader's identity to the police, as he had information on who their leader was, who had ordered him to commit the crime.
The leader is now hiding in one of the towns in Cebu province and is also involved in illegal drugs. (AYB)