ILOILO City – The Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) has confiscated 2,346 assorted firearms and 202 explosives in 2025, as part of its intensified campaign against loose guns across Western Visayas.
Data from PRO-6 showed that of the number, 554 firearms and 29 explosives were seized and 474 persons were arrested from a total of 495 operations. The rest of the 1,792 firearms and 173 explosives were voluntarily surrendered to various police units.
The Iloilo Police Provincial Office (PPO) recorded the highest number of recoveries with 653 firearms and 70 explosives, followed by the Capiz PPO with 314 firearms and 32 explosives, and the Antique PPO with 270 firearms and 34 explosives.
Police Brigadier General Josefino Ligan, PRO-6 director, said these accomplishments were the results of PRO-6’s proactive approach, particularly the implementation of Tokhang Kontra Armas Luthang (TKAL), in addressing the risks posed by loose firearms, which are commonly associated with criminal activities and violent incidents in the region.
“I commend the unwavering commitment of our personnel in recovering these loose firearms throughout the entire year of 2025. This achievement goes beyond operational success; it affirms our strong resolve to protect our communities from the dangers posed by unlicensed and illegal weapons,” Ligan said.
The region’s top cop said that every firearm taken off the streets brings the region closer to lasting peace and security, and underscored the importance of sustained collaboration between law enforcement and the community to prevent firearms from being used to threaten lives.
“I urge members of the community to voluntarily surrender unlicensed firearms or ensure that their firearm licenses are properly renewed and updated this 2026. This is for your own safety and the security of our communities,” Ligan added./PN
