PRO3 ops net 250 loose firearms, 115 arrested in C. Luzon

MANILA – 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 Aug. 9.

PRO3 chief Brig. Gen. Ponce Rogelio Peñones Jr., in a statement on Monday, said the operations covered confiscations through search warrants, checkpoint operations, and incidental surrenders, along with firearms voluntarily deposited by citizens.

Peñones said Nueva Ecija has the highest recovered loose firearms with 72, followed by Bulacan and Bataan with 27 each, Pampanga (22), Tarlac (21), Zambales (20), and Aurora (19).

He said that of 115 persons arrested, 110 cases have already been filed in court.

“The removal of these loose firearms from our communities directly contributes to public safety. Every firearm we recover is one less potential tool for crime,” he said.

Peñones assured the campaign against illegal and loose firearms will continue without letup, guided by the principle that peace and order are best achieved through prevention, swift enforcement, and the active participation of the community. (PNA)