Manila: The Philippine National Police (PNP) encouraged the public to report credible information on gun-for-hire syndicates. PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said all leads are treated with utmost seriousness as it intensifies operations against illegal firearms, hunting wanted criminals, and collaborating closely with prosecutors to ensure swift convictions. 'Every piece of credible information can help save lives, solve cases, and hold offenders accountable,' he said in a news release Sunday.
According to Philippines News Agency, to reinforce such efforts, Nartatez directed the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group to validate all information on alleged gun-for-hire operations alongside the wider crackdown on loose firearms. Organized crime syndicates rely heavily on loose firearms, with police records revealing that a single confiscated weapon is often tied to two or more crimes. He also instructed the Intelligence Group to intensify monitoring of organized crime and contract-killing syndicates while ensuring timely information sharing with ground units.
Beyond addressing violent crime, Nartatez highlighted that these intensified operations against loose firearms and armed groups are critical to ensuring a peaceful and orderly Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao elections. The PNP is likewise intensifying surveillance against individuals and groups using fake local government and socio-civic funds to defraud the public. 'Every single centavo from the public coffers must be protected and the PNP has been doing its share in this aspect through its active involvement in holding accountable those involved in illegal activities,' Nartatez said.
The Office of the Executive Secretary earlier warned the public against individuals and groups falsely claiming they can facilitate the release of funds under the Local Government Support Fund and the Socio-Civic Projects Fund in exchange for money. 'We appeal to the public to be discerning and vigilant and immediately report to the authorities if they find anything suspicious so our cops can respond swiftly. Our hotline is available for you to report your concerns,' he said.
Also being investigated are the wave of illicit cigarette seizures, with recent arrests proving cross-border strategies are working. At the recent 44th Association of Southeast Asian Nations Chiefs of Police Conference hosted by the Philippines, Nartatez said the PNP is crafting joint measures with regional counterparts to "heighten border patrols against smuggling as well as trace and identify the origin of these contrabands."
