PRO-6 accounts for 4,844 guns, 337 explosives

ILOILO CITY — Police have accounted for 4,844 firearms and 337 explosives in Western Visayas in four months as authorities intensified their campaign against loose firearms across the region.

The figures cover operations from May 22, when Police Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño assumed as director of the Police Regional Office 6, through Sept. 22.

The accomplishment forms part of Project RTT 3389, or Restrict, Track and Turn-in, a PRO-6 initiative aimed at strengthening firearms accountability and encouraging the proper surrender or turnover of loose firearms across Western Visayas’ 3,389 barangays.

Tuaño said the campaign forms part of continuing efforts to strengthen firearms accountability and help keep communities safe.

Of the 4,844 firearms accounted for, 4,581 were surrendered or turned over, 144 were confiscated and 119 were deposited with police units.

The figures mean surrendered or turned-over firearms accounted for nearly 95% of the total.

The firearms were accounted for through 4,450 operations, which also resulted in the arrest of 129 individuals and included house visitations conducted as part of efforts to locate and account for firearms in communities.

The operations also led to the confiscation or recovery of 337 explosives as PRO-6 sought to address the presence of unaccounted firearms and explosive materials in the region.

Tuaño emphasized that accounting for firearms and explosives is not only about enforcement but also about preventing possible incidents before they happen.

“We appreciate those who are cooperating with us by turning over firearms and reporting concerns in their communities. At the same time, we will continue our operations to account for firearms and explosives that may pose a risk to public safety,” he said.

Project RTT 3389 seeks to bring the loose-firearms campaign to all 3,389 barangays in Western Visayas by encouraging communities to facilitate the voluntary surrender or proper turnover of undocumented firearms.

The initiative also supports the Philippine National Police’s broader campaign against loose firearms as part of crime prevention and public safety efforts.

Tuaño encouraged the public to coordinate with police so firearms and explosive materials can be handled and disposed of properly.

He also reminded residents not to handle, move or attempt to dispose of suspected explosive materials or unregistered firearms on their own.

Residents who encounter suspected explosives or unregistered firearms are advised to immediately report them to the nearest police station or through appropriate emergency channels.

The public was also advised not to confront anyone suspected of possessing illegal firearms or explosives.