CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna, Philippines — At least 778 unlicensed guns have been confiscated in simultaneous police operations in Calabarzon.
Regional police director Brig. Gen. Paul Kenneth Lucas said cases of illegal possession of firearms have been filed against the 182 owners of the guns, including local government and barangay officials.
“The primary objective of the operations is to mitigate shooting incidents and other criminal activities to ensure the safety of the public,” Lucas said.
He said the Calabarzon police is on heightened alert and has set up checkpoints in strategic areas to deter any unlawful activities, including the illegal discharge of firearms during the Christmas holidays.
Col. Vicente Cabatingan, regional police intelligence unit chief, said the firearms were seized in raids, checkpoints, serving of arrest warrants and Oplan Bakal/Sita, among other police operations, from Oct. 1 to Dec. 13.