Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region Steps Up Campaign Against Loose Firearms
The Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) has significantly intensified its ongoing campaign against loose firearms, resulting in a successful operation that led to the recovery of multiple unlicensed weapons. This operation was conducted in Purok Super L, Barangay Pandanon, Don Salvador Benedicto, Negros Occidental, on February 26, 2026.
Arrest and Recovery of Firearms
During the search warrant operation, authorities arrested a suspect identified as alias "Leto," a 57-year-old farmer and resident of the village. The operation was initiated after a concerned citizen reported that Leto allegedly caused a public disturbance while intoxicated and carrying a firearm, which created fear and concern among local residents.
Lieutenant Colonel Joem Malong, chief of the PRO-NIR Public Information Office, stated that operatives from the Don Salvador Municipal Police Station conducted thorough casing, surveillance, and firearms verification to validate the report. Their investigation confirmed that Leto was not a licensed firearm holder.
Police recovered the following items from the suspect:
- One caliber .45 pistol
- One caliber .45 steel magazine
- Four pieces of live ammunition for caliber .45 pistol
- One caliber .38 revolver
- Five pieces of live ammunition for caliber .38 revolver
Commitment to Public Safety and Legal Protocols
Malong emphasized that this successful operation underscores PRO-NIR's steadfast dedication to lawful, professional, and community-centered policing. She highlighted that through meticulous planning, coordinated action, and strict adherence to legal protocols, PRO-NIR reinforces its commitment to ensuring public safety.
"This operation strengthens community trust and promotes a secure environment where citizens can live and work without fear," Malong said. The suspect is currently detained at the custodial facility of the Don Salvador Benedicto Municipal Police Station and is facing charges for violation of Republic Act 10591, also known as the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
The PRO-NIR's intensified campaign against loose firearms is part of broader efforts to curb illegal weapon possession and enhance security in the Negros Island Region. This operation serves as a reminder of the importance of community cooperation in reporting suspicious activities to authorities.
