PNP boosts drive vs firearms

By Rhaydz B. Barcia

THE Philippine National Police (PNP) in Bicol has intensified its campaign against loose firearms as part of its preparations for the 2025 midterm elections.

BGen. Andre Dizon, director of the Police Regional Office-Bicol (PRO-5), emphasized the PNP’s commitment to ensuring peaceful and orderly polls in the region.

“To achieve this, PRO-5 has implemented security measures aimed at safeguarding the community and upholding the integrity of the national and local elections in May 2025,” Dizon said.

From Dec. 11, 2023, to Nov. 24, 2024, PRO-5 confiscated 965 loose firearms. Of these, 925 are under the custody of the Regional Civil Security Unit 5 (RCSU-5), while 40 are with the Regional Forensic Unit 5 (RFU-5) for further investigation. Additionally, several police stations hold 482 firearms voluntarily surrendered by their owners.

“This concerted effort aims to neutralize the potential threat posed by unauthorized firearms and reduce the likelihood of election-related violence in the region,” Dizon added.

To further secure the elections, PRO-5 will deploy over 7,000 policemen to perform various duties, including serving as convoy escorts, quick response team members, and route security providers. They will also secure voting precincts, conduct checkpoints, augment forces as needed, and serve as members of the Reactionary Standby Support Force (RSSF).

To support these personnel, PRO-5 will utilize 877 mobility assets to transport personnel and equipment, conduct rapid response operations, and provide route security. The force will also employ 2,777 communication devices for seamless coordination and 1,005 investigation tools to promptly address election-related incidents.

Moreover, 1,367 police personnel have been designated for Civil Disturbance Management (CDM) operations. “They are trained to manage crowds, control protests or rallies, and swiftly address disturbances to ensure public safety. Their deployment will be strategically planned to cover critical areas and respond effectively to any emerging situations,” Dizon said.

In line with its commitment to non-partisanship, PRO-5 has reassigned 141 personnel with relatives running for office in the 2025 elections. “This measure ensures that police remain impartial and eliminates any perception of undue influence during the electoral process. Moreover, PRO-5 will strictly enforce the gun ban and liquor ban as the election period approaches,” Dizon added.

Jane Valeza, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) Bicol regional director, commended the PNP’s efforts against loose firearms. She said the campaign is a significant deterrent to potential threats to public safety.

“Today’s presentation of confiscated, surrendered, and forfeited loose firearms is a clear testament to the proactive measures being undertaken by the PNP to maintain peace and order in preparation for the 2025 national and local elections,” Valeza said.

“This initiative reflects the strong commitment of our law enforcement agencies to create an environment where every Filipino can exercise their right to vote freely, safely, and without fear or intimidation.”