By Connie Calipay
LEGAZPI CITY – The Police Regional Office (PRO) 5 (Bicol) has seized, confiscated and recovered at least 965 assorted loose firearms in its intensified campaign against these firearms in preparation for the national and local elections in May 2025.
During the preparation at Camp Simeon Ola here, PRO-5 director Brig. Gen. Andre Dizon said the items were recovered during various operations conducted in the six provinces of the region starting Dec. 11, 2023 to Nov. 24, 2024.
“This is to show that our police were doing their jobs to eradicate weapons that are no longer needed on the road. This will continue until the election period comes. We will implement various methods at checkpoints in Oplan Katok (Oplan Knock) to avoid weapons and violence in the upcoming election,” Dizon said.
He said crime happens when there is an opportunity, motive, and weapon.
“This is part of the manifestation of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to make the election 2025 peaceful and successful. Some 482 firearms are in safekeeping at the police stations that have been voluntarily turned in. This concerted effort aims to preclude the potential threat posed by unauthorized firearms and reduce the likelihood of election-related violence in the region,” he said.
Dizon said PRO-5 had prepared 7,353 police personnel for deployment, while 346 personnel have completed training as Board of Electoral Inspectors (BEIs) and 126 personnel have attended seminars on managing election-related incidents.
“They will serve as convoy escorts, members of quick response teams, and providers of route security. They will also secure voting precincts and members of the Reactionary Standby Support Force (RSSF), conduct checkpoints, and augment forces where necessary,” he added.
The Bicol police will also utilize 877 mobility assets, 2,777 communication devices, and 1,005 investigation tools to promptly address and resolve any election-related incidents.
“The mobility assets and communication devices will facilitate the transport of personnel and equipment, conduct rapid response operations, and provide route security to ensure seamless coordination among units of the PRO5, enabling swift responses to incidents and effective operational management,” he added.
Dizon also designated 1,367 police personnel for Civil Disturbance Management (CDM) operations to manage crowds, control protests or rallies, and swiftly address disturbances to ensure public safety.
“In adherence to the principles of non-partisanship, PRO5 has reassigned 141 personnel with relatives running for office in the 2025 elections. This measure ensures that police remain impartial and eliminates any perception of undue influence during the electoral process,” he said.
Meanwhile, Comelec-5 Regional Director Maria Juana Valeza thanked the uniformed personnel for their continued support in ensuring the peace and security of the region.
“This initiative reflects the strong commitment of our law enforcement agencies to create an environment where every Filipino can exercise their right to vote freely, safely, and without fear or intimidation,” Valeza said.
She said the existence of loose firearms in the communities has always been a significant threat to public safety and the democratic process.
“These weapons often fuel violence, disrupt the peace, and undermine the sanctity of elections. By taking decisive action to remove these firearms from circulation, the PNP is helping us to ensure that our electoral processes remain peaceful and reflective of the true will of the people,” she added.
Valeza also reminded everyone of the critical role all would play in safeguarding the integrity of the elections.
“Let us continue to work together, not just in disarming potential threats but also in promoting responsible citizenship, fostering transparency, and encouraging peaceful discourse as we approach the 2025 elections,” she said. (PNA)
