BUTUAN CITY, Philippines — The Police Regional Office 13 (PRO 13) has recorded the voluntary surrender of 21 loose firearms and the turnover of seven firearms with expired licenses across the Caraga Region as authorities intensify their campaign against the unlawful possession and potential misuse of guns.
In a statement dated October 13, 2026, PRO 13 said the 28 firearms were surrendered or turned in to police units on October 12 as part of the region’s continuing efforts to prevent unregistered or improperly licensed weapons from being used in criminal activities.
PBGen Rolindo M. Suguilon, PRO 13 regional director, said the 21 voluntarily surrendered firearms came from four police offices across the region.
The Surigao del Norte Police Provincial Office accounted for the largest number, with 10 firearms surrendered. The Surigao del Sur Police Provincial Office recorded seven, while the Butuan City Police Office received three. Another firearm was surrendered to the Agusan del Norte Police Provincial Office.
Meanwhile, seven additional firearms with expired licenses were turned in through the police campaign known as Oplan Katok. Of these, three were accounted for by the Agusan del Sur Police Provincial Office, while the Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur police provincial offices recorded two each.
The combined total of 28 firearms reflects the participation of residents in the campaign, which seeks to encourage the surrender of loose firearms and address the continued possession of weapons that do not have valid licenses.
Police credit community cooperation
Suguilon attributed the results to the efforts of police personnel, particularly those assigned to field operations, as well as the cooperation of barangay officials and community members.
“The positive response in this campaign is attributed to the hard work and commitment of the men and women of PNP Caraga, especially those assigned in the field, and the support and collaboration of the local barangay officials and the community,” Suguilon said.
He emphasized that the intensified campaign aims to prevent loose firearms from being used in criminal activities, underscoring the importance of cooperation between law enforcement authorities and local communities.
Through its continued operations, PRO 13 is seeking to persuade firearm holders to surrender weapons that are unlawfully possessed or no longer covered by valid licenses, while strengthening monitoring and enforcement efforts throughout the region.
RA 10591 cited in stricter firearms enforcement
The regional police office said the latest figures add to the growing number of firearms surrendered or turned over amid the stricter implementation of Republic Act No. 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
The law governs the acquisition, ownership, possession, manufacture, sale, importation and handling of firearms and ammunition, and provides penalties for violations involving unlawful acquisition or possession.
Police efforts to address loose firearms form part of broader public safety measures intended to reduce the risk that unlawfully possessed weapons could be used in shootings, armed robberies and other criminal offenses.
Authorities continue to encourage cooperation from residents, barangay officials and other community stakeholders as the campaign moves forward across Caraga.
The police did not provide a cumulative regional total of all firearms surrendered or turned in as of October 12, nor did the statement specify the types or calibers of the 28 firearms.