AGUSAN DEL NORTE, Philippines — Two firearms and four rounds of live ammunition were voluntarily surrendered to police in separate operations in Agusan del Norte on October 28, 2026, as authorities intensified their campaign against loose firearms across the province.
The Agusan del Norte Police Provincial Office (ADNPPO) said the surrender of the firearms came amid continuing peace and security operations and the resumption of the police’s Revitalized Katok Operation.
Police Colonel Ruel M. Cagape, provincial director of the ADNPPO, said personnel of the Santiago Municipal Police Station facilitated the voluntary surrender of a .357-caliber revolver and two rounds of live ammunition.
The firearm was surrendered by a 64-year-old male, identified by police only by the alias “Sen,” an incumbent barangay kagawad and resident of Barangay Pangaylan IP in Santiago, Agusan del Norte.
In a separate development, personnel of the Remedios T. Romualdez Municipal Police Station also received the voluntary surrender of a .38-caliber revolver with two rounds of live ammunition from a 46-year-old resident identified by the alias “Tatang.”
Police said the surrender took place in Barangay Basilisa, Remedios T. Romualdez, during the resumption of the Revitalized Katok Operation, a police initiative aimed at encouraging the voluntary surrender of unlicensed and improperly documented firearms.
Under Republic Act No. 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, a “loose firearm” may include an unregistered firearm, one with an obliterated or altered serial number, a lost or stolen firearm, an illegally possessed firearm, or a registered firearm possessed by someone other than its licensed owner. Firearms with licenses that have been revoked may also fall under the definition provided by law.
Authorities did not immediately disclose whether the surrendered firearms were unregistered or whether they had been involved in any criminal activity. The weapons will be subject to the appropriate police procedures and verification.
Cagape welcomed the cooperation of residents who voluntarily turned over the firearms, saying public participation remains an important component of efforts to reduce the risks associated with the circulation of loose guns.
“We appreciate the willingness of our constituents to abide by the law. This is a significant step toward a more peaceful and orderly community,” Cagape said.
The ADNPPO said it will continue its intensified campaign against loose firearms as part of broader efforts to maintain peace and public safety throughout Agusan del Norte.