Police arrested 1,079 people and removed 3,779 loose firearms from communities in a nationwide campaign against unauthorized firearms in June, the Philippine National Police said.
The PNP said the firearms were either confiscated, surrendered, or recovered through enforcement operations from June 1 to 30.
During the same period, 681 other firearms were voluntarily deposited with police for safekeeping.
In Western Visayas, police recorded the voluntary surrender and turnover of 64 loose firearms in a single day on July 4.
The PNP said the turnover was made through coordination among police units, barangay officials, local governments, and community stakeholders who encouraged firearm owners to comply with the law.
Aside from the voluntary surrender of 64 firearms, Police Regional Office 6 also conducted 72 operations that led to the arrest of one person for a firearms-related violation, the confiscation of one firearm, the recovery of 10 explosive devices, the voluntary deposit of four firearms for safekeeping, and three house visitations to encourage the lawful turnover of firearms.
PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said removing loose firearms from communities helps prevent violence and protect lives.
“Every loose firearm removed from our communities is a step toward preventing violence and protecting innocent lives. Hindi lang ito tungkol sa pagpapatupad ng batas. Mas mahalaga na nakikita nating dumarami ang mga mamamayang kusang nakikipagtulungan para mapanatiling ligtas ang kanilang mga komunidad,” Nartatez said.
Nartatez urged firearm owners with unauthorized weapons to coordinate with police.
“Patuloy nating hinihikayat ang mga may hawak ng hindi awtorisadong baril na makipag-ugnayan sa kanilang pinakamalapit na himpilan ng pulisya. Ang layunin natin ay hindi lamang makumpiska ang mga baril kundi maiwasan din ang mga krimeng maaari nitong magawa. Sa pagtutulungan ng pulisya at mamamayan, mas magiging ligtas ang ating mga komunidad,” he said.
The PNP said the campaign against loose firearms would remain a nationwide priority.