Negros island: The Police Regional Office - Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) has intensified its campaign to eliminate illegal firearms amid continued violations that led to the recent recovery of unlicensed guns in Negros Occidental. PRO-NIR Director, Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay, said in a statement on Tuesday that they are committed to ensuring a safer, more peaceful region by curbing the proliferation of loose firearms.

According to Philippines News Agency, on Monday, police operatives arrested Alfredo Castro, 38, in Barangay Tampalon, Kabankalan City for violating Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act. By virtue of a search warrant, they recovered from the man's possession a Smith and Wesson caliber .357 revolver, with serial number 130184, loaded with three live rounds of ammunition.

Data from the Negros Occidental Police showed that from Jan. 1 to July 31, its personnel confiscated 179 firearms and arrested 155 persons in 161 operations. Across the province, the police stations recorded 209 surrendered, deposited, and abandoned firearms.

"The crackdown sends a strong message to individuals involved in the illegal possession, manufacture, or trafficking of firearms that PRO-NIR remains relentless in its mandate to uphold the rule of law," Ibay said.