In a significant move to secure the upcoming May 12 elections, the Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) in Central Luzon announced the seizure of 46 firearms and the arrest of 36 individuals. This operation is part of a broader effort to clamp down on loose firearms and ensure a peaceful electoral process. Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo, who leads PRO3 and also serves as the spokesperson for the Philippine National Police (PNP), emphasized the importance of these actions during a press conference at Camp Crame in Quezon City on February 10, 2025.
Fajardo detailed that the police executed 39 search warrants and conducted 23 operations targeting illegal firearm possession. She stressed the police’s commitment to dismantling lawless elements, stating, “We are taking decisive action to keep communities safe as we approach the May 2025 elections. By enforcing firearms regulations strictly, we ensure that lawless elements have no room to operate. This is a shared responsibility—our commitment is firm, but public cooperation is essential for a peaceful election.”
A notable achievement in this campaign was the surrender of eight unlicensed firearms by the Guinto group, an active private armed group (PAG) in Nueva Ecija, on February 7. Fajardo highlighted the PNP’s directive to dismantle active and potential PAGs before the elections, underscoring the proactive measures being taken to neutralize threats to public safety.
The PNP’s efforts are supported by coordination with the Commission on Elections and other law enforcement agencies. Fajardo urged the public to report any illegal activities involving firearms, emphasizing that community vigilance and cooperation are crucial for protecting communities and ensuring fair and peaceful elections.
The 90-day campaign period for national positions begins on February 11, followed by local posts on March 28.