PNP cracks down on private armies, loose guns

Philippine National Police chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil INQUIRER file photo / GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil on Thursday ordered a crackdown on private armed groups and loose firearms ahead of the 2025 midterm elections.

“Our intensified campaign against private armed groups and loose firearms underscores our commitment to providing a safe environment for every Filipino, especially as we approach the election period,” Marbil said in a statement.

READ: PNP to crack down on private armies, loose firearms for 2025 polls

A total of 25,240 firearms were seized from Jan. 1 to Nov. 30 this year while an additional 9,932 firearms were turned over for safekeeping, according to PNP records.

On the other hand, thousands were arrested for illegal possession of firearms, with 2,033 recorded in the National Capital Region Police Office, 979 in Central Luzon and 906 in Central Visayas. —FRANCES MANGOSING