Zamboanga: A total of 176 loose firearms and 202 fugitives were arrested in various police operations within the area of responsibility of the Police Regional Office in Zamboanga Peninsula (PRO-9) in November, an official said Friday.

According to Philippines News Agency, Brig. Gen. Edwin Quilates, the PRO-9 director, stated that the 176 loose firearms were recovered through 222 law enforcement operations. These operations included checkpoint activities, implementation of search warrants, and voluntary surrender initiatives, he added.

Quilates emphasized that the achievements were the results of focused police work, strong inter-agency coordination, and active community support. Meanwhile, 62 of the 202 fugitives arrested are classified as most wanted persons, while the remaining 140 are considered other wanted individuals.

He highlighted that the arrests were the result of coordinated operations across Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, Zamboanga City, and the province of Sulu. Quilates noted that these missions were carried out through close coordination among local police units, national support agencies, and valuable intelligence provided by vigilant citizens.

Quilates urged the public to stay alert and continue coordinating with law enforcement agencies to uphold peaceful communities.