In a proactive move before the election gun ban commenced on January 12, 2025, a total of 38 loose firearms were voluntarily surrendered to the police in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental. The firearms were turned in over the weekend of January 10 and 11, as reported by Lt. Stephen Polinar, the spokesperson for the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office (NOPPO). This initiative was part of intensified police operations aimed at ensuring public safety during the election period.
In addition to the firearm surrender, the police conducted 19 anti-drug operations on January 12 under the Simultaneous Anti-Criminality Law Enforcement Operations (SACLEO), leading to the arrest of 19 suspects and the seizure of 100.950 grams of suspected shabu, valued at a minimum of PHP686,000. The police also cracked down on illegal gambling, conducting 20 operations that resulted in the arrest of 48 individuals. Furthermore, 32 operations targeting wanted persons led to the apprehension of five most wanted and 27 other wanted individuals.
To bolster security during the election period, which extends until June 11, the Commission on Elections, Philippine National Police, and Armed Forces of the Philippines have set up joint security checkpoints to curb the movement of illegal firearms and maintain safety.