ILOILO City — Police took 16 loose firearms and three explosive devices out of circulation across Western Visayas in just 24 hours, arresting four suspects as authorities intensified efforts to prevent undocumented weapons from being used in crimes and other acts of violence.
The Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) said the firearms and explosives were accounted for during 17 synchronized operations conducted from 6 a.m. on August 25 to 5:59 a.m. on August 26 under Project RTT, or Restrict, Track, and Turn-in.
The regional campaign combines intelligence-driven law enforcement operations with efforts to persuade firearm holders to voluntarily surrender undocumented weapons.
Of the 16 loose firearms accounted for, 11 were voluntarily surrendered by community members to local police units, while five were confiscated during police operations.
The confiscation of the five firearms resulted in the arrest of four individuals who are facing charges for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.
Police also recovered three explosive devices in separate security operations. Two were recovered by the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO), while another was secured by the Capiz Police Provincial Office (CPPO).
Police Brigadier General Randulf T. Tuaño, PRO-6 regional director, said the number of firearms voluntarily surrendered indicates growing public confidence and cooperation with law enforcement.
“Ang patuloy na positibong resulta ng Project RTT, partikular ang kusang pagsuko ng mga loose firearms, ay nagpapakita na nakukuha natin ang tiwala at suporta ng ating mga kababayan. Mahalaga ang kanilang pakikipagtulungan upang tuluyan nating maalis sa mga komunidad ang mga armas na maaaring magamit sa krimen at iba pang karahasan,” Tuaño said.
Tuaño stressed that every undocumented firearm removed from circulation eliminates a potential weapon that could be used in violence in communities.
“Sa ilalim ng Project RTT, sabay nating isinusulong ang mahigpit na pagpapatupad ng batas at mas malawak na pakikipag-ugnayan sa komunidad. Ang bawat baril na kusang isinusuko ay hindi lamang dagdag sa ating accomplishment—ito ay isang potensyal na banta na naaalis sa ating mga barangay at isang konkretong hakbang tungo sa mas ligtas na Western Visayas,” Tuaño added.
PRO-6 said the latest haul builds on its earlier operations that have accounted for more than 800 loose firearms in recent months.
The regional police command said it would further intensify intelligence-driven tracking, execution of warrants, immediate validation of information from citizens, and audits of expired firearm licenses.
Project RTT forms part of PRO-6’s Responsive, Trusted and Transformative Policing strategy and supports the Philippine National Police’s national directive under PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., “BAGONG PNP PARA SA BAGONG PILIPINAS: SERBISYONG MABILIS, TAPAT, AT NARARAMDAMAN.”/PN