Western Visayas Police Recover 54 Firearms in Weeklong Campaign Against Loose Weapons
In a significant development for regional security, the Police Regional Office in Western Visayas (PRO 6) has successfully conducted a weeklong series of operations targeting loose firearms, resulting in the voluntary surrender of 54 firearms from April 6 to 12, 2026. This intensive campaign forms part of broader efforts to curb illegal possession of weapons and maintain peace and order across the region.
Growing Public Cooperation and Police Effectiveness
Police Brigadier General Josefino Ligan, the director of PRO 6, emphasized that the substantial number of surrendered firearms underscores increasing public cooperation and the effectiveness of sustained police engagement. "The rising tally of voluntarily surrendered firearms clearly demonstrates that our campaign is earning the trust and collaboration of the community. This represents a vital step in preventing violence and fostering safer neighborhoods," Ligan stated.
Official records from PRO 6 reveal that nine distinct operations were executed throughout Western Visayas during this period. These efforts led to the arrest of 10 suspects and the recovery of an additional nine firearms, highlighting the dual approach of enforcement and community outreach.
Additional Compliance Through Firearm Deposits
Beyond the surrendered items, authorities reported that 31 firearms were deposited for safekeeping, reflecting compliance among licensed gun holders with government regulations and advisories. Police officials noted that these figures illustrate the combined impact of enforcement operations and community-based information campaigns, which encourage individuals to relinquish unlicensed firearms and properly secure legally owned weapons.
The campaign also yielded the voluntary surrender of 10 explosives, a development that authorities say significantly reduces potential threats in local communities. PRO 6 highlighted that various police units across the region contributed to these accomplishments, with gains in both surrendered and deposited firearms indicating heightened awareness among firearm holders regarding the risks and legal consequences of unauthorized possession.
Broader Security Measures and Ongoing Initiatives
Authorities stressed that the surrender and deposit of firearms are integral components of comprehensive security measures aimed at preventing gun-related incidents, particularly amid ongoing public safety initiatives in Western Visayas. Ligan reiterated that the police will continue to intensify operations against loose firearms, combining law enforcement actions with sustained public information drives to bolster security efforts regionally.
PRO 6 assured that its campaign against loose firearms will remain relentless as a proactive measure to ensure public safety and maintain peace and order. The police have urged the public to continue supporting these efforts by cooperating with authorities and adhering to existing firearm regulations, thereby contributing to the creation of safer communities.
Commitment to Public Safety and Future Coordination
The police reaffirmed their commitment to upholding public safety by maintaining a strong presence in communities and addressing threats posed by loose firearms and explosives. PRO 6 announced plans to sustain coordination with various stakeholders to strengthen the campaign and ensure strict implementation of firearm regulations across the region.
Efforts to recover loose firearms remain a key component of PRO 6's mandate to secure communities and prevent criminal activities. Authorities highlighted that voluntary surrender helps mitigate the risk of these weapons being used in crimes, thereby enhancing overall public safety.
PRO 6 continues to encourage individuals in possession of unlicensed firearms or explosives to voluntarily surrender these items to avoid legal consequences and support peacekeeping initiatives. The police assured that all surrendered and deposited firearms are properly documented and secured in line with standard operating procedures.
Officials added that public cooperation is essential for sustaining the gains achieved through the campaign. PRO 6 remains dedicated to intensifying operations and fortifying partnerships with communities to achieve long-term peace and security in Western Visayas.
