Negros oriental: Police in Negros Oriental have confiscated 781 illegal firearms since the start of this year, an official said Wednesday.

According to Philippines News Agency, Lt. Stephen Polinar, spokesperson of the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office, stated that the campaign against loose firearms is a key priority in their efforts to reduce criminal activities in the province. In a concerted effort, the police have conducted 650 operations across the province, resulting in the seizure of 671 unregistered and improvised firearms and the arrest of 35 individuals.

Furthermore, under the initiative Oplan Katok, 88 operations have led to the voluntary turnover of 117 firearms by their owners. These firearms are being held for safekeeping pending the renewal of their licenses and registration. Of the total undocumented firearms recovered, 490 were improvised, while the rest consisted of handguns and rifles.

Lt. Polinar highlighted that the arrested individuals were suspected of committing crimes involving the use of firearms. In addition, four individuals remain at-large, but cases have been filed against them. He emphasized that the campaign against loose firearms is being intensified with the support of the community, who provide first-hand information on individuals in possession of these weapons.