Doha:Eastern Visayas The Police Regional Office 8 (PRO-8) has successfully accounted for 749 firearms during intensified operations against loose firearms in Eastern Visayas throughout October. This initiative is part of ongoing efforts to curb firearm-related crimes and enhance public safety in the region.

According to Philippines News Agency, PRO-8 conducted a total of 664 operations over the month, which led to the arrest of 36 individuals. These operations resulted in the recovery of two firearms, the confiscation of 43, the voluntary surrender of 561, and the deposit of 143 firearms for safekeeping.

The Leyte Police Provincial Office (LPPO) reported the highest number of accounted firearms at 218, followed by the Samar PPO with 115 and the Northern Samar PPO with 90. Other notable accomplishments included the Southern Leyte PPO with 82 firearms, Tacloban City Police Office (CPO) with 79, Ormoc CPO with 69, Eastern Samar PPO with 48, and Biliran PPO with 39. The Regional Mobile Force Battalion accounted for seven firearms, while the Regional Drug Enforcement Unit recorded two.

Brig. Gen. Romano Cardiño, the Regional Director of PRO-8, emphasized the importance of sustaining enforcement efforts and raising public awareness about responsible firearm ownership and adherence to existing regulations. He noted that each recovered, confiscated, surrendered, or deposited firearm contributes to crime prevention and community safety. Cardiño reiterated the commitment to intensifying the campaign against loose firearms and fostering public cooperation to ensure compliance with firearm laws.