DAVAO OCCIDENTAL — A series of voluntary firearm surrenders across multiple municipalities on April 26, 2026 underscores growing public cooperation with authorities as the police step up efforts against illegal weapons in the province.
The Davao Occidental Police Provincial Office (DOPPO), through its various municipal police stations and maneuver units, reported the successful turnover of several unlicensed firearms as part of the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) continuing campaign to curb the proliferation of loose firearms.
According to the report, individual surrenders were recorded in several towns. In Sta. Maria, police received one improvised firearm locally known as a “sumpak.” In Don Marcelino, authorities took custody of a “surit-surit,” a term commonly used for crudely assembled guns. Another “surit-surit” was also surrendered in Jose Abad Santos, while a similar weapon was turned over in Sarangani municipality.
Meanwhile, in Malita, a homemade revolver was voluntarily handed over to local police, further contributing to the province-wide effort to remove unregistered firearms from circulation.
Police maneuver units also reported gains. The 1st Davao Occidental Provincial Mobile Force Company (DOcPMFC) received a 12-gauge shotgun, while the 2nd DOcPMFC secured another long firearm described as a 12-gauge rifle through sustained and coordinated operations targeting loose firearms.
Authorities emphasized that these developments reflect increasing public trust in law enforcement and a shared commitment to community safety. The voluntary nature of the surrenders, they noted, highlights the effectiveness of ongoing awareness campaigns and localized police engagement.
DOPPO Provincial Director Police Colonel Sherwin M. Butil renewed his appeal to the public to continue cooperating with authorities by surrendering unlicensed firearms. He stressed that removing illegal weapons from communities is key to preventing violence and ensuring peace and order across Davao Occidental.
The police assured that intensified operations and community outreach initiatives will continue as part of a broader strategy to promote a safer and more secure environment for all residents.