ILOILO City – A surge in voluntary surrenders has fueled Western Visayas’ crackdown on loose firearms, with authorities recovering 415 guns and 33 explosives in March alone — a development police say underscores growing public cooperation in the fight against violence.
Data released by the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) showed that the bulk of the haul came not from raids, but from civilians who willingly turned over their weapons, signaling a shift in community response to law enforcement campaigns.
Of the total, 364 firearms and 29 explosives were voluntarily surrendered, while 33 firearms and four explosives were confiscated during police operations conducted from March 1 to March 31. Another 18 firearms were deposited for safekeeping.
PRO-6 director Police Brigadier General Josefino Ligan attributed the gains to both sustained police operations and heightened public awareness.
“The recovery of 415 firearms and 33 explosives within just one month is a clear indication of our intensified campaign against loose firearms,” Ligan said. “This achievement plays a crucial role in maintaining peace and order in our region. I commend our police personnel and the public for their proactive participation in surrendering their weapons. Together, we will stand firm against any security threats to our communities.”
The figures reflect a dual approach — aggressive enforcement and strengthened community engagement — aimed at reducing the risks posed by unregulated firearms.
PRO-6 also renewed the call for vigilance, urging residents to report suspicious activities and comply with firearms regulations as part of a broader effort to sustain peace and order across Western Visayas./PN