Manila: Police chiefs in Negros Oriental have been directed to clamp down on illegal gun ownership following recent shooting incidents in the province.

According to Philippines News Agency, Lt. Stephen Polinar, spokesperson of the Negros Oriental Police, stated in an interview that police stations are to intensify their campaigns against loose firearms through the use of search warrants. “That is the standing order of Lt. Col. Criscente Tiguelo, the OIC provincial police director, with the police chiefs now securing search warrants from the court,” Polinar said.

Just last week, three shooting incidents occurred in Sta. Catalina, Bais City, and Bacong town. A pursuit operation linked to the Sta. Catalina shooting led to the arrest of four individuals in Bacong, who were found in possession of firearms and ammunition.

Polinar reported that 44 shooting incidents have been recorded in the province since January. Only seven of these incidents remain under investigation, while the rest are considered resolved, with cases already filed in court against the suspects.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday morning, police arrested an alleged former member of a “vigilante group” during a search at his residence in Barangay San Isidro, Pamplona town, which led to the confiscation of several firearms and ammunition. Seized during the court-authorized search were a caliber .45 pistol, two improvised shotguns, a Caliber .38 revolver, several rounds of live ammunition, an ammunition box, and a caliber .45 magazine.

Polinar mentioned that the suspect allegedly belonged to the “Greenan,” a group of vigilantes acting as force multipliers, but was expelled due to his poor conduct and demeanor. The suspect claimed the firearms and ammunition were left in his possession while still active with the group.

Polinar urged firearm holders with lapsed licenses to voluntarily surrender them to authorities for safekeeping to avoid facing criminal charges.