Nueva Ecija: Alleged members of a private armed group (PAG) in Nueva Ecija surrendered unlicensed firearms and ammunition to the Police Regional Office-Central Luzon (PRO-3), an official said Sunday. PRO-3 chief Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo reported that the Nueva Ecija Police Provincial Office (NEPPO) facilitated the voluntary surrender of an M-17 rifle, five silver caliber .45 pistols, one black Colt .380 pistol, a 12-gauge shotgun, and one black M-16 rifle, as well as several magazines and rounds of ammunition, in Barangay Papaya, San Antonio on February 7.

According to Philippines News Agency, the surrender boosts efforts to prevent violence as the 90-day campaign period for national positions starts on February 11 and for local posts on March 28. “The voluntary surrender of these firearms proves that our relentless campaign against loose firearms is working. We will not allow private armed groups or illegal weapons to threaten the peace and stability of Central Luzon,” Fajardo said in a news release.

Fajardo emphasized that the turnover of the unlicensed firearms was made possible through strong collaboration among NEPPO, local government units, and other law enforcement agencies. “I urge those still holding unlicensed firearms to surrender them now. PRO-3 remains firm in its mission: No place for violence, no room for lawlessness. We are taking action and we will not stop,” Fajardo stated.