The Police Regional Office 1 (PRO1) secured 187 firearms and arrested 21 individuals in 19 operations across the Ilocos Region in August 2026 as authorities intensified efforts to curb the possession and proliferation of unauthorized firearms.

Of the firearms secured, 132 were voluntarily surrendered, 38 were deposited, 15 were confiscated, and two were recovered by PRO1 units during the month.

The operations were part of the regional police office’s campaign against loose firearms and its enforcement of laws governing firearm possession, registration, and licensing.

PRO1 Regional Director Police Brig. Gen. Crisaleo Roleda Tolentino said the campaign would focus on removing unauthorized firearms from circulation and holding violators accountable.

“Our campaign against loose firearms is not merely about increasing numbers; it is about enforcing the law, holding violators accountable, and ensuring that every unauthorized firearm is taken out of circulation. We will continue to direct our units to conduct focused operations and pursue those who possess firearms in violation of the law,” Tolentino said.

PRO1 said it would sustain focused operations against loose firearms while promoting compliance with registration and licensing requirements as part of its efforts to strengthen public safety across the Ilocos Region.