By Philippine News Agency
MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) is working tirelessly to ensure the safety of communities and with elections coming up this year, law enforcers are continuing with their mission to get illegal firearms off the streets.
According to the latest PNP accomplishment report, its relentless efforts to account for loose firearms have resulted in the confiscation, recovery, and surrender of 68,709 small arms and light weapons. The campaign also led to the arrest of 21,801 suspects from July 1, 2022 to Nov. 17, 2024.
“Our intensified campaign against private arms groups and loose firearms underscores our commitment to providing a safe environment for the Filipinos, especially as we approach the coming elections. The PNP is resolute in its mission to dismantle these groups and eliminate threats to peace,” said PNP chief, Gen. Rommel Marbil.
PBBM witnesses destruction of illegal guns
President Ferdinand Marcos R. Jr. in March 2024 flew to Basilan to witness the destruction of about 500 loose firearms surrendered to the government in line with the push to bring peace to former war-torn areas in Mindanao and part of the Basilan Provincial Government’s Small Arms and Light Weapons Management (SALW) program for crime prevention in the communities.
“When we talk about peace, that doesn’t only mean a cessation of violence,” President Marcos said on the sidelines of the event. “It also means that we continue to all work together to ensure that the livelihood and the progress come to Basilan and all of the other provinces that were once areas of conflict.”
Out with illegal guns nationwide
The PNP has had several successes in the fight against illegal firearms nationwide. In the Bicol region, 965 loose firearms were seized before the May 2025 elections. Bicol Director Brig. Gen. Andre Dizon mentioned that these firearms were seized from December 2023 to November 2024.
“This is to show that our police are doing their jobs to eradicate weapons that are no longer needed on the road. This will continue until the election comes. We will implement various methods at checkpoints in Oplan Katok to avoid weapons and violence in the upcoming elections,” Dizon said.
In Bicol, there are 7,353 police officers equipped with 877 vehicles and 2,777 communication tools to address any election-related issues. In Mamasapano town, Maguindanao del Sur, an area with long-standing disputes among Moro families, the police arrested 47 individuals and seized 61 firearms during an operation. These ongoing conflicts put civilians at risk.
Meanwhile, in a recent update from the Caraga Region (Region 13), 212 loose firearms and nine explosives were recovered during operations conducted from Oct. 24 to Nov. 20, 2024. Of the haul, 66 firearms were recovered, while 144 were surrendered as part of the “Oplan Bakal” and “Oplan Katok” initiatives. “Oplan Bakal” is a police operation that involves checkpoints and other measures to stop the illegal use of firearms while “Oplan Katok” is PNP’s door-to-door campaign to promote responsible gun ownership by encouraging firearm owners to renew their licenses or surrender unlicensed firearms.
On Feb. 6, The PNP said additional guidelines on the initiative will be issued to prevent possible abuse in its operations during the election season. PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo, was quoted in various media websites saying the police organization would make some “adjustments” amid concerns raised by the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
The Commission on Human Rights recognized the concerns raised by Comelec but equally acknowledged PNP’s intent to promote responsible gun ownership and uphold public safety.
“In line with this, we urge the PNP to ensure that all operations uphold the rights and dignity of individuals, without undue pressure or coercion. Transparency and strict adherence to constitutional rights are imperative to prevent perceptions of misuse or intimidation—particularly in the highly charged political climate of an election season,” the CHR said in a statement released last Feb. 6.
During one operation in Barobo, authorities arrested five suspects and seized hand grenades and pistols. Caraga Director, Brig. Gen. Alan Nazarro, credited this success to the locals who helped keep the community safe. He urged people to remain vigilant and report anything suspicious. “I encourage every peace-loving community member to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity or individuals to the nearest police station,” Nazarro said.
In Lingayen, Pangasinan, the “Oplan Katok” program has resulted in the surrender of more than 500 loose firearms since January. As of Nov. 9, 206 firearms were confiscated, and 305 were voluntarily surrendered. Authorities also arrested 161 individuals during 11,630 “Oplan Katok” operations.
Ilocos Police Director Brig. Gen. Lou Frias Evangelista emphasized the importance of combating loose firearms to reduce violence. He expressed a desire for the elections to be safe and peaceful, allowing people to vote without fear.
“Our goal in the upcoming elections is simple but vital – to create an atmosphere where citizens can exercise the right to vote without fear. With this, we underline our commitment to achieving safe, accurate, and fair elections in 2025,” he said.
Fajardo pointed out that crime tends to spike during elections. “Statistics show that incidents are high during elections. But we will intensify the campaign against loose firearms under ‘Oplan Katok’ and see to it that these firearms must not be used for criminal activities,” she said as she encouraged gun owners to renew their licenses.
Rebels compensated for giving up loose firearms
The PNP has also been cracking down on loose firearms at the hands of the New People’s Army (NPA), most of which are unregistered, stolen, or illegally manufactured.
The law enforcement body has a program that does not require firing a single shot but instead compensates and remunerates the firearms turned in by former NPA rebels to help them become productive citizens.
President Marcos is also working to promote peace as he offers amnesty to rebels, giving them a chance to have a better life.
So, what happens to those who surrender? The Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) assists them.
According to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), by November 2023, 1,119 former rebels had received financial assistance. E-CLIP, under the DILG, provides support to those who surrender. The DILG’s year-end report shows that, by the end of November 2023, 1,119 former rebels – including 821 NPA fighters and 298 Militia ng Bayan (MB) members – had received financial help.
Under the DILG assistance program, these former rebels and surrenderers were provided with immediate aid, livelihood support, reintegration assistance, and compensation for the firearms they surrendered to the government. These efforts have made a significant impact on the lives of those who surrendered, including their families. The children of these former rebels are also given free education. This program encourages more rebels to return to mainstream society and live productive lives.
Among the high-profile arrests of members of communist terrorist groups and local terrorist groups were Mary Jane Berami y Quirante, alias “Commander Jinky,” who was apprehended for murder on Apr. 1, 2024, in Alabel, Sarangani Province; Wilberto Villarico, a top leader of the CPP-NPA-NDF, who was arrested on Oct. 24, 2024, in Barangay Fairview, Quezon City, for kidnapping with murder and other human rights violations; and Simon Fiaryao, alias “Aliw,” who was apprehended on Oct. 21, 2024, in Bacarra, Ilocos Norte, for multiple counts of murder and attempted murder, with a reward of P2.7 million.
With the efforts of the government and communities, there is hope for a peaceful future in the Philippines. This heartfelt move by the President provides them with an opportunity to live peacefully.
Under the Marcos administration, the country looks forward to a bright future through the collaboration of government agencies and communities, ensuring overall peace and security for the Filipino people. (PNA)
