The Philippine National Police (PNP) has directed all its units nationwide to intensify efforts against private armed groups (PAGs) and curb the proliferation of loose firearms as the election campaign period approaches.

PNP Chief General Rommel Francisco Marbil emphasized that the directive aims to “bolster public safety and mitigate potential violence, thereby promoting a peaceful democratic process.”

“Our intensified campaign against private armed groups and loose firearms underscores our commitment to providing a safe environment for every Filipino, especially as we approach the election period,” he said.

“The PNP is resolute in its mission to dismantle these groups and eliminate threats to peace,” he added.

Citing reports from 1 January to 30 November 2024, Marbil highlighted the PNP’s accomplishments, including the arrest of 8,628 individuals for violations of Republic Act 10591, the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.

In the same period, 25,240 firearms were either confiscated, recovered, or surrendered, with an additional 9,932 firearms voluntarily turned over for safekeeping.

The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) recorded the highest number of arrests for firearms law violations with 2,033, followed by Police Regional Office 3 (PRO 3) with 979, and PRO 7 with 906.

In terms of confiscated or surrendered firearms, PRO 7 reported the highest number with 3,951, followed by PRO 6 with 3,023, and NCRPO with 2,175. Meanwhile, PRO 4-A recorded the highest number of firearms turned over for safekeeping at 2,797.