The Philippine National Police has commended the Police Regional Office 6 for its sustained campaign against loose firearms after 3,429 firearms were removed from communities across Western Visayas.
The firearms were recovered through voluntary surrender, focused police operations, and strengthened coordination with local stakeholders, the PNP said.
PRO6 presented the accomplishment during a media briefing on Monday, highlighting its continuing efforts to prevent gun-related incidents and promote safer communities in the region.
Police said the campaign was carried out through the sustained implementation of programs such as Tokhang Kontra Armas Luthang, or TKAL, Armas Baylo Bugas, and other community-based initiatives encouraging the voluntary surrender of unregistered firearms.
Among the units with the highest number of surrendered firearms were the Antique Police Provincial Office with 1,236, followed by the Aklan Police Provincial Office with 978, the Iloilo Police Provincial Office with 959, the Iloilo City Police Office with 177, the Capiz Police Provincial Office with 175, the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 6 with 121, and the Guimaras Police Provincial Office with 37.
Of the total firearms collected, 254 have already been turned over to the Regional Forensic Unit for proper disposition. The remaining firearms are being safely secured by concerned police units in accordance with established procedures.
PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. lauded the accomplishment, saying every firearm removed from circulation helps prevent violence before it happens.
“Hindi lang ito tungkol sa dami ng baril na naisuko. Ang tunay na sukatan ng tagumpay ay ang mga krimeng maaaring napigilan at ang mga buhay na maaaring nailigtas. Kapag nagtutulungan ang pulisya at komunidad, mas nagiging ligtas ang bawat pamilya at mas matatag ang ating kapayapaan.”
Nartatez also urged the public to continue supporting the campaign by coordinating with the nearest police station for the proper documentation or voluntary surrender of undocumented firearms.
“Patuloy nating palakasin ang tiwala at pakikiisa ng publiko. Ang bawat responsableng hakbang ng isang mamamayan ay malaking ambag sa kaligtasan ng ating komunidad. Sama-sama nating tiyakin na ang mga baril ay hindi mapupunta sa maling kamay.”
The PNP said the campaign supports its Focused Agenda through Enhanced Managing Police Operations by strengthening crime prevention efforts and reinforcing community engagement.
It also complements the peace and public safety initiatives of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. aimed at creating safer and more secure communities across the country.
The PNP said it remains steadfast in advancing proactive law enforcement and public safety initiatives, carrying forward the vision of Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman, through responsive policing and stronger partnerships with the communities it serves.