PRO3’S STEPPED-UP DRIVE NETS 250 LOOSE GUNS IN CENTRAL LUZON

BY KEVIN GALANG

CAMP OLIVAS, City of San Fernando, Pampanga – Operatives of the Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) confiscated, recovered, and facilitated the surrender of at least 250 loose firearms from June 20 to August 9 in its stepped-up campaign against illegal and unregistered firearms in Central Luzon.

PRO3 director Brig. Gen. Ponce Rogelio Peñones Jr. said the operations covered confiscations through search warrants, checkpoint operations, and incidental surrenders, along with firearms voluntarily deposited by citizens.

Nueva Ecija emerged as the top-performing province, recording a total of 72 loose guns recovered — the highest among all police provincial offices. 

The number includes 27 firearms confiscated through operations and 45 surrendered or deposited by residents.

Next to Nueva Ecija were the provinces of Bulacan and Bataan, which both recorded 28 loose firearms each, while Pampanga had 22. 

Other areas with notable results include Tarlac (21), Zambales (20), and Aurora (18).

A total of 115 individuals were arrested in the operations, with 110 cases already filed in court, reflecting PRO3’s firm stance against violators of firearm laws.

PRO3’s sustained drive is in line with the directives of PNP chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III, who has consistently underscored the importance of proactive policing and crime prevention through intensified operations against loose firearms.

Peñones commended the dedication of the units involved and emphasized that the results are aligned with the command’s strategic direction of ensuring peace and order through proactive law enforcement.

“The removal of loose firearms from our communities directly contributes to public safety. Every firearm we recover is one less potential tool for crime,” the official said.

“Nueva Ecija’s performance proves that strong community cooperation and relentless police operations can make a big difference. We will sustain these efforts as part of PRO3’s commitment to pursue peace, order, and public safety across Central Luzon,” Peñones added.