The Police Regional Office in Central Luzon (PRO3) announced on Sunday that suspected members of a private armed group in Nueva Ecija province have surrendered a cache of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.

PRO3 chief Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo disclosed that the Nueva Ecija Police Provincial Office (NEPPO) facilitated the voluntary surrender of the weapons on 7 February in Barangay Papaya, San Antonio.

The firearms included an M-17 rifle, five silver .45 caliber pistols, a black Colt .380 pistol, a 12-gauge shotgun and a black M-16 rifle. Several magazines and rounds of ammunition were also turned over to authorities.

Fajardo said the surrender is a significant step in efforts to prevent violence as the 90-day campaign period for national positions begins 11 February and for local posts on 28 March.

The timing of the surrender is particularly important given concerns about potential election-related violence.

“The voluntary surrender of these firearms proves that our relentless campaign against loose firearms is working,” Fajardo said. “We will not allow private armed groups or illegal weapons to threaten the peace and stability of Central Luzon.”

She also stressed the importance of the collaboration between NEPPO, local government units and other law enforcement agencies in achieving this successful surrender.

Fajardo credited their combined efforts with creating an environment conducive to the turnover of the weapons.

“This successful operation demonstrates the effectiveness of interagency cooperation and community engagement in addressing the issue of loose firearms,” Fajardo said.  “We are grateful for the support we have received from local officials and the community in our efforts to maintain peace and order.”

The PRO-3 chief reiterated her call for others in possession of unlicensed firearms to come forward and surrender them voluntarily as she stressed the importance of removing these weapons from circulation to ensure public safety and security, especially during the upcoming election period.

“I urge those still holding unlicensed firearms to surrender them now,” Fajardo said. “PRO-3 remains firm in its mission: No place for violence, no room for lawlessness. We are taking action and we will not stop.”

Fajardo said the police will continue to intensify their efforts to recover unlicensed firearms and dismantle private armed groups operating in the region.

She said they will work closely with other government agencies and community leaders to address the root causes of violence and promote a culture of peace and non-violence.

“We are committed to creating a safe and secure environment for all residents of Central Luzon,” Fajardo said.  “We will not tolerate any acts of violence or lawlessness, and we will continue to pursue those who threaten the peace and stability of our region.”