Cops FOR SAFE, PEACEFUL MAY POLLS. Philippine National Police Deputy Chief for Operations Lt . Gen. Robert Rodriguez (center) inspects one of the firearms surrendered for safekeeping. Photo courtesy of PRO4A PIO

Calabarzon cops intensify drive for safe, peaceful midterm elections, account for over 3,000 guns

February 5, 2025 Jane Eleda 158 views

CAMP VICENTE LIM, Calamba, Laguna – The Police Regional Office 4A (Calabarzon) under the leadership of Regional Director Brig Gen Paul Kenneth Lucas has accounted for over 3,000 firearms for safekeeping in a bid to ensure a safe and secure May 12, 2025 national and local elections.

In a press briefing held in this camp yesterday following the awarding of personnel with significant accomplishments, Philippine National Police Deputy Chief for Operations Lt. Gen. Robert Rodriguez presented to mediamen a total of 3,138 voluntarily surrendered firearms from September 25, 2024, to January 31, 2025.

Of the number, 3,012 were small firearms, and 126 were light weapons.

The significant accomplishment is part of PRO 4A’s F.E.E.L S.A.F.E.R initiative or Firearms and Explosives from Candidates/Supporters/Kin/Juridical for Safekeeping and Disposal: An Effort Leading to Secure, Accurate, and Fair Elections, being implemented by the Philippine National Police in support to Commission on Elections (Comelec) Resolution 11067 on the strict enforcement of the gun ban.

Aside from the accomplishments on voluntary firearm surrenders, the Calabarzon police also conduct search warrants, checkpoint operations, and “Oplan Bakal.”

The operations resulted in the confiscation of 414 firearms and the arrest of 313 individuals involved in illegal firearms activities.

Their “Oplan Katok” campaign led to 10,074 operations, resulting in the voluntary turn-in of 1,187 firearms for safekeeping.

From January 12 to February 2, 2025 or the first phase of the gun ban, the regional office reported the confiscation of 60 assorted firearms and the arrest of 61 individuals.

Deputy Regional Director for Administration, Col Melvin Napiloy emphasized the importance of the initiatives in ensuring a peaceful and orderly electoral process.

“These efforts reflect PRO 4A’s firm commitment to preventing any form of election-related violence and we will continue to enforce the gun ban, in close coordination with the Commission on Elections and other frontline government agencies, to safeguard the integrity of the upcoming 2025 electoral process,” he said.

Napiloy also reminded the public that carrying, possessing, or transporting firearms and deadly weapons during the election period without the necessary permits is strictly prohibited.

He said violators will face legal consequences under the Omnibus Election Code and other relevant laws.

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