BCPO logs 234 loose firearms in 2025

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — The Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) accounted for 234 loose firearms from 236 police operations in 2025, reflecting a 17% increase from the 200 firearms recorded in 2024.

Police data showed the seized firearms included seven obtained through search warrants, 37 confiscated, 160 voluntarily surrendered, 20 deposited for safekeeping, and 10 recovered.

Authorities also confiscated 32 explosives and 435 rounds of ammunition during the same period.

A total of 43 people were arrested for violations of Republic Act 10591, also known as the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.

Police Capt. Rosalino Pugoy, BCPO spokesperson, said the public has become more aware of the legal consequences of possessing loose firearms, which can lead to criminal liability.

Pugoy said residents are also encouraged to surrender loose firearms under the BCPO’s incentive program, which offers rice in exchange for surrendered weapons.

Meanwhile, in its campaign against illegal gambling, the city police apprehended 423 individuals in 164 operations, resulting in the confiscation of bets amounting to PHP 59,665.25.

Police records showed the number of arrests dropped by 31.7% compared to the 619 individuals apprehended in 2024, while operations declined by 13.2% from the 189 conducted last year.

Pugoy attributed the decrease to more people refraining from engaging in illegal gambling activities.