By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan
MANILA – The Police Regional Office (PRO) 3 (Central Luzon) seized 939 illegal firearms in operations from Oct. 1 to Nov. 27, as part of security preparations for next year’s midterm elections.
PRO-3 Director Brig. Gen Redrico Maranan presented the confiscated firearms during the Regional Joint Security Control Center (RJSCC) meeting of the Philippine National Police, Commission on Elections, Armed Forces of Philippines, and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in Camp Olivas, San Fernando, Pampanga on Thursday, according to a news release from the PRO-3 on Friday.
Of this figure, 298 firearms were seized through law enforcement operations, 172 were surrendered voluntarily while 469 were obtained through the Revitalized Katok program, where the police visit the homes of gun holders to encourage the renewal of expired licenses or permits to carry.
Maranan said the RJSCC members continue to coordinate and cooperate to maintain peace in the region and ensure the safety of every citizen in next year’s May elections.
“Sa pamamagitan ng mas pinaigting na mga operasyon, mahigpit na koordinasyon sa mga ahensya, at pakikiisa ng bawat miyembro ng komunidad, naniniwala kaming magagampanan namin ang aming tungkulin nang buong husay (Through intensified operations, tight coordination among agencies, and the solidarity of every member of the community, we believe we will be able to perform our duty with full efficiency),” he added.
Last month, Maranan said the PRO-3 began the full implementation of strategic planning based on his peace and order operational framework dubbed the “Enhanced Police Presence + Quick Response Time + Counter actions against drug groups, criminal gangs, and private armed groups = Safe Region 3,” as part of police efforts to secure the 2025 elections. (PNA)
