DAVAO CITY, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) has taken custody of six additional firearms voluntarily turned over by representatives of Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa as authorities continue implementing the revocation of his License to Own and Possess Firearms (LTOPF) and firearm registrations.
The latest turnover, conducted on June 22, was facilitated by personnel from the PNP Firearms and Explosives Office (FEO) and the Regional Civil Security Unit (RCSU) 4A in coordination with local police authorities. The firearms were received from the senator’s legal representative at his residence in Silang, Cavite and were subsequently placed under temporary police safekeeping in accordance with established procedures.
The six firearms surrendered this week bring the total number of firearms already turned over to authorities to 26, following the earlier voluntary surrender of 20 firearms on June 11 in Davao City.
The ongoing implementation stems from a Notice and Order of Revocation issued by the PNP Firearms and Explosives Office pursuant to the provisions of Republic Act No. 10591, otherwise known as the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act. The revocation covers a total of 117 firearms registered under the name of Senator Dela Rosa, leaving 91 firearms yet to be accounted for under the order.
According to the PNP, the enforcement of the revocation is being carried out in accordance with legal procedures and due process requirements, emphasizing that the operation is not punitive but regulatory in nature.
The latest development follows the June 11 turnover in Davao City, where 20 firearms were voluntarily surrendered through the senator’s authorized legal representative at a residence in Barangay Maa. During that operation, police personnel conducted a comprehensive inventory, serial number verification, and physical inspection of each firearm before transporting them to the Regional Civil Security Unit 11 headquarters at Camp Sgt. Quintin M. Merecido in Buhangin for official safekeeping.
Authorities said the continued surrender of firearms demonstrates compliance with the revocation order while allowing law enforcement agencies to properly account for and secure the firearms covered by the directive.
The PNP stressed that the implementation reflects its commitment to the impartial and consistent enforcement of firearms laws and regulations regardless of a person’s status or position in government.
Officials noted that the operation forms part of the organization’s Focused Agenda on Enhanced Managing Police Operations, which seeks to strengthen accountability, transparency, and professionalism in the conduct of police functions while maintaining public trust in law enforcement institutions.
PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. reiterated that the organization remains guided by professionalism, fairness, and respect for legal rights throughout the process.
“The Philippine National Police remains committed to carrying out its mandate in accordance with the law and established procedures. We will continue to perform our duties professionally, fairly, and with respect for the legal rights of everyone involved,” Nartatez said.
The PNP chief emphasized that all actions related to the revocation and surrender process are being undertaken within the framework of existing laws and regulations, ensuring transparency and accountability at every stage.
Police officials further underscored that firearms regulation is a critical component of public safety and that the strict yet lawful enforcement of firearms laws helps reinforce confidence in government institutions tasked with maintaining peace and order.
The PNP also linked the operation to the administration’s broader governance agenda, saying that the continued implementation of lawful police actions supports the efforts of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to strengthen accountability, institutional integrity, and the rule of law in government operations.
As authorities continue accounting for the remaining firearms covered by the revocation order, the PNP maintained that all procedures will remain anchored on due process, proper documentation, and professional coordination with concerned parties.
The organization said the continuing turnover and safekeeping operations reflect its commitment to the principles of “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman,” highlighting a law enforcement approach that balances strict compliance with firearms regulations and respect for legal rights and established procedures.