The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) seized 28 loose firearms and four grenades and arrested 20 people during a 72-hour nationwide crackdown against unregistered weapons.
CIDG Director Police Major General Robert Morico II said the operations were conducted from May 21 to 23, 2026 under Oplan Paglalansag Omega, the police campaign against loose firearms.
The operations involved the service of search warrants and a buy-bust operation for alleged violations of Republic Act No. 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
According to the CIDG, the seized weapons included three light weapons and 25 small arms, aside from four grenades recovered during separate operations across the country.
One of the major operations was carried out by the CIDG Lapu-Lapu City Field Unit on May 23 in Barangay Butong, Ronda, Cebu, where authorities served a search warrant from 8:37 am to 10:45 am.
The operation led to the recovery of an M1 carbine rifle, a caliber-.22 magnum rifle, a caliber.38 pistol, magazines, and assorted live ammunition.
Authorities also found a heat-sealed plastic sachet containing white powder suspected to be illegal drugs during the search.
The subject of the warrant, who was allegedly involved in gunrunning activities, was arrested.
The CIDG said the removal of loose firearms from communities is meant to prevent crimes, contract killings, gun-for-hire activities, and other forms of violence.
Morico commended the regional, provincial, district, and city CIDG units that took part in the operations.
The CIDG also gave special recognition to Police Colonel Arbel Mercullo, regional chief of CIDG Regional Field Unit 7, and the CIDG Lapu-Lapu City Field Unit led by Police Major Emmanuel Rabaya for the Cebu operation that resulted in the confiscation of three unlicensed firearms in a single operation.
The CIDG said it would continue enforcing firearms laws nationwide and intensify efforts to track down unregistered weapons and dismantle criminal networks.