AGUSAN DEL NORTE — Three firearms were voluntarily surrendered to police in separate municipalities of Agusan del Norte on October 24, 2026, as authorities continued efforts to remove unregistered and illegally possessed weapons from communities and strengthen local peace and security.
The Agusan del Norte Police Provincial Office (ADNPPO) reported that the surrender of two .38-caliber Smith & Wesson revolvers and one .22-caliber rifle resulted from its intensified campaign against loose firearms, including the resumption of the Revitalized Katok Operation in Kitcharao.
Provincial police director Police Colonel Ruel M. Cagape said personnel of the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company facilitated the surrender of two revolvers from residents of Jabonga and Cabadbaran City.
In Jabonga, a 38-year-old married fisherman identified by the alias “John,” a resident of Purok 11, Poblacion, voluntarily turned over one .38-caliber Smith & Wesson revolver.
Another revolver was surrendered by a 35-year-old single farmer identified as “Rog,” who resides in Purok 4, Barangay Del Pilar, Cabadbaran City.
Meanwhile, the Kitcharao Municipal Police Station recorded another successful firearm turnover during the resumption of the Revitalized Katok Operation on the same day.
A 33-year-old single farmer identified as “Jorge,” a resident of Purok 3, Barangay Jaliobong, Kitcharao, voluntarily surrendered one .22-caliber rifle to authorities.
Police did not provide further details about the circumstances surrounding the possession of the firearms or whether any related violations had been established.
Campaign targets unregistered and illegally possessed firearms
The three voluntary surrenders form part of the provincial police’s continuing efforts to account for loose firearms and encourage residents to comply with the country’s firearms regulations.
Under Republic Act No. 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, the term “loose firearm” covers several categories, including unregistered firearms, firearms with obliterated or altered identifying marks, lost or stolen firearms, illegal firearms, and registered firearms possessed by individuals other than their licensed owners. It also includes firearms whose licenses have been revoked under applicable laws and regulations.
The removal of such weapons from circulation is a key objective of law enforcement campaigns intended to reduce the availability of unauthorized firearms and support peace and security initiatives.
However, the voluntary surrender of a firearm does not, by itself, establish that its former possessor committed a crime. Any determination of legal liability depends on the circumstances and the applicable law.
Police urge residents to cooperate
Cagape emphasized that community participation remains important in efforts to address the proliferation of loose firearms and maintain peace in Agusan del Norte.
“Peace begins with each one of us. Three firearms turned over today means fewer unregistered weapons in our communities. We stand ready to assist you in complying with the law,” Cagape said.
The provincial police urged residents who possess firearms requiring registration or other legal compliance to coordinate with the appropriate police authorities for guidance.
The latest turnover highlights the role of voluntary surrender and community cooperation in local peace and security efforts. Police operations against loose firearms are continuing across the province as authorities seek to reduce the presence of unauthorized weapons and promote safer communities.