2,929 LOOSE GUNS SEIZED IN CALABARZON

POLICE Regional Office 4A (Calabarzon) director Brig. Gen. Paul Kenneth T. Lucas on Tuesday led  the presentation at Camp Vicente Lim, Calamba, Laguna of 2,929 loose firearms seized in the region.

The Calabarzon top cop said the guns were confiscated during the conduct of 60,332 police operations, including the implementation of search warrants, checkpoints, Oplan Bakal, Oplan Sita, Oplan Katok and police patrols and responses from January 1, 2024, to August 31, 2024.

Of the total number, 991 firearms were confiscated, while 1,938 were secured for safekeeping.

The confiscated firearms included 2,899 small firearms, 30 light weapons, and 92 homemade firearms, with 317 submitted to the crime laboratory for further examination.

PRO-4A Public Information Office chief Lt. Col. Chitadel Gaoiran said Batangas province has the most number of seized firearms, with 885; followed by Cavite, with 593.

Some 612 individuals were arrested and 606 cases have already been filed in court.

Lucas said the effort is in preparation for the 2025 midterm elections, underscoring the command’s commitment to maintaining peace and order as the election period approaches.

The Calabarzon top cop attributed the success of the campaign to the  unwavering dedication of the PRO-Calabarzon  personnel, combined with the active cooperation of the community in reporting illegal activities, especially involving the use of loose firearms. 

“The achievement we are celebrating today is a testament to the strong partnership between PRO-Calabarzon and the public. Together, we are working towards a safe and peaceful environment for all,” said Lucas.

He added that the drive against loose guns will continue with the same intensity.

“Our efforts will not cease until every illegal weapon is removed from the streets and out of the hands of those who would use them to harm others. We are committed to sustaining the momentum we have built and ensuring that our region remains secure as we approach the 2025 elections,” he said.

The Regional Director expressed his heartfelt congratulations to the personnel of PRO –Calabarzon for their exemplary work and extended his gratitude to the community and various stakeholders for their steadfast support. 

“Hinihikayat ko ang lahat na patuloy ninyong suportahan ang aming kampanya laban sa kriminalidad. Magtulungan tayo tungo sa isang maayos at maunlad na Bagong Pilipinas, kung saan ang Gusto ng Pulis, Ligtas Ka!” he added.