Davao: The Police Regional Office in Davao (PRO-11) has confiscated 881 loose firearms in the region from Sept. 24, 2024, to Feb. 9, 2025, as part of its intensified campaign against illegal guns, officials reported Thursday. Brig. Gen. Leon Victor Rosete, PRO-11 director, stated that 620 firearms were seized or voluntarily surrendered during the campaign, while 261 were confiscated under the Commission on Elections (Comelec) gun ban from Jan. 12 to Feb. 9.

According to Philippines News Agency, the latter included 213 small firearms, six explosives, and 42 homemade firearms. "Our accomplishment on loose firearms ensures public safety, especially in light of the upcoming 2025 midterm polls and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) parliamentary elections," Rosete said in a statement. The firearms were displayed Wednesday at Camp Quintin M. Merecido, the PRO-11 headquarters in Davao City.

Rosete mentioned that PRO-11 is rigorously targeting individuals and groups with illegal firearms, ensuring that gun ban violators face legal consequences. The campaign is part of the 'Revitalized Katok' initiative, which promotes responsible gun ownership and prevents the proliferation of illegal firearms. Earlier, Comelec-11 and PRO-11 pledged to support the 2025 BARMM parliamentary elections, scheduled alongside the May 12 national and local polls.