Police in Negros Oriental have arrested 50 individuals and recovered 952 firearms since the start of the year in separate enhanced operations.
Lt. Stephen Polinar, spokesperson of the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office, told the Philippine News Agency Oct. 23 that this is part of their campaign to rid the province of illegal and undocumented firearms.
“Majority of the arrests and confiscations were done during Simultaneous Anti-Criminality Law Enforcement Operations by the police stations, while others during anti-illegal drug operations and checkpoints,” Polinar said.
NOrPPO records showed that, from Jan. 1 to Oct. 22 this year, 766 operations against loose firearms were conducted, with 61 firearms confiscated, three abandoned, and 735 surrendered.
Under Oplan Katok, 95 operations were carried out, resulting in 124 firearms deposited with the police for safekeeping, pending renewal of their permits and licenses.
Furthermore, 23 operations conducted with search warrants resulted in the seizure of 29 firearms.
Polinar said cases have already been filed against the suspects following their arrests. ||
