THE Police Regional Office in Central Visayas (PRO 7) reported a significant increase in their anti-crime operations during the first quarter of 2025, leading to the confiscation of 1,685 firearms and the arrest of 404 individuals in Central Visayas.
According to PRO 7 Chief Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan, the intensified campaign against loose firearms is a key part of their strategy to ensure public safety and security, especially with the midterm elections happening on May 12.
The police operations, which ran from Jan. 1 to March 31, 2025, involved various strategies aimed at seizing unregistered firearms and enforcing the Commission on Elections (Comelec) gun ban. This ban, which took effect last Jan. 12 and will end on June 11, is aimed at minimizing gun-related incidents during the election period.
Crime prevention
In total, the PRO 7 conducted 1,051 operations across Central Visayas, which resulted in the seizure of 1,685 loose firearms. This number includes 26 explosives and 2,302 rounds of ammunition of different calibers.
Meanwhile, the PRO 7’s Oplan Katok initiative, which encourages the surrender of unregistered firearms, saw 584 operations leading to the surrender and deposit of 615 firearms in various police stations throughout the region.
Maranan affirmed that the strengthened efforts against illegal firearms have directly contributed to the arrest of individuals violating the existing gun ban.
“This crackdown represents a combination of proactive measures aimed at preventing crime and addressing the significant issue of illegal firearms in the region,” he said.
Maranan emphasized that these ongoing efforts are crucial to maintaining peace and order in Central Visayas, ultimately ensuring a safe environment for all residents as the election draws near. / AYB
