Negros oriental: Police in Negros Oriental have arrested 50 individuals and recovered 952 firearms since the start of the year in separate enhanced operations, an official said Thursday.

According to Philippines News Agency, Lt. Stephen Polinar, spokesperson of the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office (NOrPPO), stated that this is part of their campaign to rid the province of illegal and undocumented firearms. Polinar explained that the majority of the arrests and confiscations were made during Simultaneous Anti-Criminality Law Enforcement Operations conducted by the police stations. Additional arrests and confiscations occurred during anti-illegal drug operations and checkpoints.

Records at the NOrPPO indicated that from January 1 to October 22 this year, a total of 766 operations against loose firearms were conducted. These operations resulted in the confiscation of 61 firearms, three abandoned firearms, and 735 firearms surrendered by individuals.

Under the initiative known as Oplan Katok, 95 operations were carried out, leading to 124 firearms being deposited with the police for safekeeping while their permits and licenses are pending renewal. Additionally, 23 operations executed with search warrants led to the seizure of 29 firearms.

Polinar further mentioned that cases have already been filed against the suspects following their arrests.