ILOILO City – In a single day of intensified anti-criminality operations, various police units across Western Visayas successfully confiscated nine unlicensed firearms, assorted ammunition, and a hand grenade.
On Monday, April 7, five operations were carried out by units under the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) as part of their ongoing campaign against loose firearms, which authorities said are often linked to crimes and violence in rural and urban areas alike.
“These weapons could have endangered lives. Getting them off the streets is a big win for community safety,” said PRO-6 director Brigadier General Jack L. Wanky.
The first operation in Lambunao, Iloilo early Monday morning led to the arrest of a farmer identified as alias “Benito.” He yielded homemade shotgun, magazines, and several rounds of .9mm ammunition.
Hours later, in Cuartero, Capiz, authorities confiscated three unlicensed firearms and live ammunition from a 55-year-old suspect.
Another high-risk operation in Lambunao town also uncovered a caliber .38 revolver, a caliber .45 pistol, a cache of ammunition, and a hand grenade. Police said these weapons were found in the possession of a man identified only as alias “Jolly”.
In the afternoon, a raid in Dueñas, Iloilo led to the capture of a 66-year-old farmer and the seizure of a revolver, a homemade shotgun, and 18 spent cartridges — further signs that illegal firearms continue to circulate in far-flung barangays.
On Monday night, police in New Lucena, Iloilo apprehended another suspect who had a caliber .45 pistol and live bullets in his possession.
“These efforts reflect our commitment to ensuring our communities are safe and secure,” Wanky said.
He further encouraged others to surrender undocumented firearms voluntarily: “You can approach your nearest police station if you wish to deposit or surrender any loose firearms. Help us keep our neighborhoods safe.”
All suspects are currently detained and charges are being prepared in accordance with Republic Act 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act./PN
