The Philippine National Police continues to strengthen its efforts to address loose firearms and prevent their use in criminal activities. Police units in Western Visayas recorded the surrender of 81 firearms in several operations on September 5, 2026, and recovered 10 explosive items and arrested two individuals.
The operations covered the provinces of Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, and Iloilo, as well as Iloilo City. Two additional firearms were voluntarily turned over to authorities. At the same time, police personnel conducted house visits as part of ongoing efforts to account for potentially dangerous weapons and explosive materials.
Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., PNP Chief, said the PNP’s approach focuses not only on enforcement but, more importantly, on preventing firearms and explosives from becoming instruments of violence.
“Kapag may armas na na-turn over at hindi na mapapagamit sa krimen, may isang panganib na nabawasan. That is the value of this effort. We will keep working with our communities while making sure that every operation is lawful, measured, and properly accounted for,” he said.
The operations are part of the PNP’s ongoing implementation of its Focus Agenda, particularly under Enhanced Managing Police Operations, through coordinated, intelligence-driven police action to address community security concerns.
The PNP remains committed to strengthening preventive policing and working with communities to encourage the lawful surrender and proper disposition of unauthorized firearms and explosives.
