The Police Regional Office MIMAROPA (PRO MIMAROPA) has recovered 204 firearms across the region since January 2026 as part of its intensified campaign against loose firearms and its push for responsible gun ownership.
PRO MIMAROPA said the firearms were surrendered or recovered through various initiatives carried out by provincial, city, municipal, and mobile force units.
The campaign comes amid public concern over recent violent incidents involving learners in different parts of the country, which police said underscored the need for firearm accountability, secure storage, and stricter measures to prevent minors and other unauthorized persons from gaining access to guns.
Acting PRO MIMAROPA Director Police Brig. Gen. Christopher Dela Cruz has ordered all police units in the region to sustain operations against loose firearms while strengthening public awareness on firearm safety and compliance with existing laws.
Police said the effort is supported by Oplan Katok, checkpoints, patrols, implementation of warrants, and other law enforcement activities aimed at preventing the illegal possession and misuse of firearms.
“Responsible gun ownership is not measured by the firearm you possess, but by the discipline and accountability you exercise in safeguarding it. Every firearm owner has a responsibility to ensure that firearms are properly secured and never accessible to unauthorized individuals, especially minors,” Dela Cruz said.
Dela Cruz said lawful firearm ownership goes beyond licensing requirements and also requires proper storage, regular accountability, and safeguards against theft, accidental discharge, and unauthorized use.
He also urged gun owners to regularly review their security practices and strictly observe firearm safety protocols in homes, workplaces, and establishments.
PRO MIMAROPA called on the public to report illegal possession, unauthorized carrying, and other firearm-related violations to the nearest police station.
The campaign forms part of the region’s broader crime prevention strategy under the F.I.G.H.T. C.R.I.M.E.S. (Fill in the Gaps, Hit Targets, through Capacity Building, Removal of Redundancies, Integrity Maintained, Managed Resources, and Efficient Services) Framework and supports the Philippine National Police’s efforts to promote public safety, accountability, and responsible firearm ownership.