CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga — The Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) scored a major breakthrough in their campaign against loose firearms with the confiscation of 24 illegal guns, arrested 142 wanted persons and confiscated P8 million worth of illegal drugs and illegal gambling money.

B/Gen. Rogelio "Pojie" Peñones, regional director, reported that this was the result of a weeklong intensified crackdown on criminality, by Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) across Central Luzon, from June 22 to 28, 2025.

Within this period, Gen. Peñones said, a total of 24 assorted short firearms were recovered through the region’s intensified campaign against loose firearms.

Of these, he said, 10 were confiscated during focused law enforcement operations, 12 were voluntarily surrendered, and 2 were deposited for safekeeping.

The recovered firearms, mostly pistols and revolvers, are now subject to verification with the Firearms and Explosives Office (FEO).

In anti-criminality operations, Gen. Peñones said PRO3 also recorded the arrest of 142 wanted persons, including 28 individuals listed as Most Wanted at various levels, and 114 others with standing warrants.

These accomplishments were the result of coordinated efforts by tracker teams and strong community support.

As part of the region’s intensified war on illegal drugs, the police general said PRO3 units conducted 118 operations, which led to the arrest of 185 individuals, including several high-value drug personalities.

Confiscated during the operations were:758.89 grams of suspected shabu with a Standard Drug Price (SDP) of ₱5,160,422.76; 706.06 grams of dried marijuana worth ₱84,727.20, and 13,489.53 grams of marijuana plants valued at ₱2,697,906.00.

The total estimated street value of all seized drugs during the week amounts to ₱7,943,055.96.

Complementing these efforts, Peñones said PRO3 also intensified its operations against illegal gambling.

A total of 15 operations were conducted, leading to the arrest of 66 individuals and the confiscation of ₱10,926 in bet money. These operations aimed to suppress underground gambling operations, which often contribute to other criminal activities.

In a statement Sunday evening, Peñones praised the dedication and persistence of law enforcement teams across the region:

“These significant accomplishments are a clear reflection of our continuous and unwavering drive to uphold law and order in Central Luzon. Whether it’s cracking down on drug syndicates, pursuing wanted criminals, or dismantling illegal gambling operations, PRO3 remains fully committed to safeguarding our communities.”

He added that all arrested individuals are currently undergoing documentation and face appropriate legal proceedings.

Recovered firearms and illegal drugs have been turned over to proper authorities for investigation, custody, and destruction as required by law.

PRO3 calls on the public to remain vigilant and report any illegal activities to their nearest police stations, as cooperation remains vital in ensuring a safe and peaceful Central Luzon.