The Philippine National Police arrested two male suspects and seized four illegally possessed firearms, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, and tactical equipment during the implementation of a search warrant in La Paz, Tarlac, on June 29, 2026.
PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said the operation was conducted in Barangay Motrico for alleged violation of Republic Act No. 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
The operation was led by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Tarlac Provincial Field Unit, with tactical support from personnel of the 21st Special Action Company, 2nd Special Action Battalion, Special Action Force, and other PNP units.
Police identified the arrested suspects only by the aliases “Ronnel” and “Alpie.”
Authorities recovered one caliber 5.56 rifle with eight magazines and 70 rounds of ammunition, one 12-gauge shotgun with two magazines and five rounds of ammunition, one caliber .45 pistol with one magazine and nine rounds of ammunition, and one caliber .40 pistol with four magazines and 346 rounds of ammunition.
Also seized during the operation were one black holster, one black sling bag, one bandolier, and two duffle bags.
The arrested suspects and all recovered evidence were placed under the custody of the CIDG Tarlac Provincial Field Unit for documentation and the filing of appropriate charges for violation of RA 10591.
Nartatez said sustained operations against loose firearms remain critical in preventing violence and protecting communities from armed criminality.
“Every illegal firearm removed from our communities helps reduce the risk of violence and strengthens public safety. We will remain relentless in enforcing our firearms laws and holding offenders accountable.”
He also reaffirmed the PNP’s commitment to protecting communities through continued law enforcement operations against the unlawful possession of firearms.
“Ang bawat operasyon laban sa ilegal na armas ay hakbang para mapanatiling ligtas ang ating mga komunidad. Patuloy naming gagampanan ang aming tungkulin nang buong katapatan,” said PGEN Nartatez.
The PNP said the operation reflects its Focused Agenda, a strategic framework for organizational transformation designed to strengthen police service through Enhanced Managing Police Operations.
It added that the accomplishment reinforces intelligence-driven and mission-focused law enforcement actions against illegal firearms and other threats to public safety.
As the PNP intensifies operations against the unlawful possession of firearms under the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., it assures the public of “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong mabilis, tapat, at nararamdaman.”