26/02/2026
OVER 15K FI****MS OFF THE STREETS: PNP PUSHES STRONGER SAFETY MEASURES
The nationwide campaign against loose fi****ms continues to strengthen public safety, removing thousands of unlicensed weapons and holding violators accountable under the law.
Data covering January 1 to February 19, 2026 show that authorities arrested 1,474 individuals for illegal firearm possession. During the same period, 4,684 fi****ms were captured, surrendered, or confiscated due to violations of RA 10591, while 479 fi****ms were turned in for safekeeping — reflecting growing community cooperation in reducing firearm-related risks.
Broader results from August 26, 2025 to February 19, 2026 highlight sustained enforcement efforts: 5,547 persons were arrested, and 15,428 fi****ms were seized or surrendered in violation of the law. Additionally, 1,474 fi****ms were voluntarily turned over for safekeeping, demonstrating public willingness to support preventive measures.
Recent weekly operations from February 13 to 19, 2026 maintained this momentum, resulting in 250 arrests and the confiscation or surrender of 718 fi****ms, alongside 85 fi****ms turned in for safekeeping.
Chief PNP, PGEN Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., emphasized that the campaign prioritizes prevention and community safety.
"Hindi lang ito tungkol sa pagpapatupad ng batas. Ang layunin natin ay pigilan ang mga posibleng krimen at protektahan ang buhay. Bawat baril na wala sa ilegal na sirkulasyon ay isang panganib na naiiwasan. Hinihikayat namin ang publiko na makiisa—kung may hindi lisensyado o hindi na ginagamit na baril, isuko ito para sa kaligtasan ng lahat," PGEN Nartatez said.
The campaign aligns with the PNP’s Focused Agenda through Enhanced Managing Police Operations (EMPO), combining intelligence-led enforcement, strategic checkpoints, and community engagement. It emphasizes both accountability and prevention, encouraging voluntary surrender of fi****ms to reduce risks before crimes occur.
These efforts support the government’s broader public safety priorities under the leadership of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, who has consistently emphasized the importance of law and order as foundations for national progress and community well-being.
Building on the national drive, Police Regional Office 5 (PRO 5) intensified its local operations over the past week. From February 16 to 22, 2026, PRO 5 conducted 22 targeted “kontra boga” operations, resulting in 8 arrests of individuals suspected of illegal firearm possession or trafficking. Authorities confiscated or received 26 assorted fi****ms, while 8 more were voluntarily turned in for safekeeping.
The top cop further reminded the public of their role in the campaign:
"Safety is a shared responsibility. Report suspicious activities, secure fi****ms at home, and participate in voluntary surrender programs. Together, we can reduce risks and protect lives."
This nationwide achievement reflects the PNP’s commitment to proactive, community-centered policing. Through coordinated operations, intelligence gathering, and public awareness, the PNP continues to advance the vision of Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman, ensuring every Filipino feels the presence of law enforcement that is both effective and responsive.
(PNP-PIO)