The Police Regional Office III (PRO-3) announced the recovery of 2,170 loose firearms across Central Luzon during operations conducted from February 24 to June 28, 2026. This represents a 27.8% increase from the 1,698 firearms recovered in the same period in 2025.
Operations and Seizures
PRO-3 reported that police stations conducted 1,011 anti-loose firearms operations during the period, up from 791 operations in 2025. Of the firearms recovered, 568 were confiscated, compared to 426 seized last year. Additionally, eight firearms were recovered during operations, whereas none were recovered in the previous year.
Community Surrenders and Arrests
Community participation played a significant role, with 1,048 firearms voluntarily surrendered—more than triple the 319 surrendered in 2025. Authorities also arrested 526 individuals for firearms-related violations, up from 405 last year. Criminal cases filed increased from 393 to 506.
Brigadier General Jess B. Mendez, PRO-3 director, emphasized the commitment to reducing illegal firearms. “Every loose firearm recovered is a potential act of violence prevented. Our recent accomplishments reflect the unwavering commitment of our personnel and the growing cooperation of our communities in keeping Central Luzon safe. We will continue to intensify our operations, strengthen intelligence and inter-agency coordination, and ensure that individuals who unlawfully possess firearms are held accountable under the law,” Mendez said.
