CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga — A total of 939 guns were confiscated by the authorities in Central Luzon as part of the government’s thrust for a safer 2025 midterm elections.

According to the Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) during the Regional Joint Security Control Center (RJSCC) meeting held here on Thursday, the confiscation of the firearms is to ensure the safety of the country during the elections.

The RJSCC is composed of the Commission on Elections (Comelec), Philippine National Police (PNP), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) wherein the group laid out their plans for the coming elections.

PRO3 Director Police Brigadier General Redrico A. Maranan cited that the PRO3 based their plan on his peace and order operational framework of Enhanced Police Presence + Quick Response Time + Counter actions against drug groups, criminal gangs at private armed groups = Safe region 3.

Maranan presented the guns to the RJSCC that were confiscated starting 1 October until 27 November that totalled 939. 

Of the 939 illegal firearms, 924 were short firearms and 15 were light weapons. 296 of this were confiscated thru law enforcement operations such as search warrant and checkpoint operations, 172 were surrendered, and 460 were seized thru Revitalized Katok. 

The PRO3 continues to collaborate with other members of the RJSCC to ensure peace and order in the region.