AROUND 50 members from 14 gun-for-hire groups operating in Central Visayas have been arrested by the Police Regional Office 7 (PRO 7) since January 2025.
The arrests were made as part of the PRO 7’s intensified campaign to go after suspects involved in the series of shooting incidents across the region.
The neutralized gun-for-hire groups include Nadera, Gido, Tañeza, Yllaya, Garciano, Ybañez, Marapoc, Manoy, Rusiana, Caballero, Bobong, Darryl, Llatona, and Comaling groups.
Of those arrested, eight were identified as group leaders, while 10 members were killed during armed confrontations with law enforcement officers.
Authorities also seized 27 firearms of various calibers during operations -- believed to have been used in their gun-for-hire activities.
Ongoing efforts to identify and dismantle illegal gun manufacturers have been crucial in cutting off the supply of firearms to these groups.
According to intelligence gathered from the community, many of these criminal organizations source their weapons from remote areas in Central Visayas.
Some of them are even linked to international arms trafficking networks, which is why PRO 7 continues its relentless pursuit to disrupt the flow of illegal firearms.
This success is aligned with the directive of Philippine National Police Chief Police General Nicolas Torre III, who urged police forces to crack down on loose firearms.
Police Brigadier General Redrico Maranan, PRO 7 director, assured the public that their campaign against criminals operating in Central Visayas will continue to ensure public safety.
“The neutralization of these gun-for-hire groups is very crucial to the safety and security of the residents in Central Visayas and even beyond. We will not rest until every syndicate is taken down and peace is fully restored in our communities,” Maranan said.
Intelligence and surveillance operations are ongoing to track down remaining identified members of the gun-for-hire groups.
Maranan also urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to authorities by dialing the 911 hotline, to help maintain peace and order in their communities. (AYB)