A TOTAL of 1,672 firearms, 57 explosives, and 3,668 rounds of ammunition of various calibers were seized by police in Central Visayas during intensified operations against loose firearms conducted from January to June 2025.
According to data from the Police Regional Office Central Visayas (PRO 7), they carried out 1,642 operations targeting groups whose members were in possession of homemade firearms and explosives.
Police Brigadier General Redrico Maranan, chief of PRO 7, commended his personnel for successfully confiscating such a large number of weapons.
He also expressed gratitude to the public for actively cooperating with the police by providing information about individuals illegally possessing firearms in their communities.
“Every operation is backed by reliable information, carried out with professionalism, and strengthened by the support of the public. Each weapon taken off the streets means one less threat to peace. Each arrest is a step closer to a safer community,” said Maranan.
He added that most of the recovered firearms and explosives were likely used in criminal activities.
Retrieving these weapons from the hands of criminals has helped reduce gun-related incidents and contributed to maintaining peace and order throughout Central Visayas.
Maranan said this campaign is part of the directive from Philippine National Police Chief Police General Nicolas Torre III to ensure public safety through an intensified crackdown on loose firearms.
“These accomplishments represent lives protected and crimes prevented. We call on our communities to remain vigilant, report suspicious activities, and continue working with us to build safer neighborhoods,” Maranan added.
PRO 7 remains committed to sustaining its efforts, including its praised intelligence-gathering strategies, close coordination with local government units, and strengthened community education on the dangers of possessing illegal firearms and explosives. (AYB)