DAVAO CITY, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP), through its Civil Security Group (CSG), has successfully completed the orderly turnover and safekeeping of 20 firearms associated with Senator Ronald “Bato” M. Dela Rosa, underscoring the organization’s commitment to enforcing firearms regulations while ensuring due process and transparency.
The firearms were voluntarily surrendered on June 11, 2026, as part of the implementation of a Notice and Order of Revocation of the License to Own and Possess Firearms (LTOPF) and firearm registrations. The activity was conducted by the Regional Civil Security Unit 11 (RCSU 11) in Davao City.
According to the PNP, the firearms were turned over through Senator Dela Rosa’s authorized legal representative at a residence in Barangay Maa, Davao City. The process was carried out in close coordination with RCSU 11 personnel and was marked by strict adherence to established procedures.
Authorities conducted a comprehensive inventory of the firearms, including serial number verification and physical inspections, before accepting them for safekeeping. The PNP emphasized that all steps were fully documented to ensure accountability and transparency throughout the process.
A total of 20 firearms were officially accounted for and issued corresponding acknowledgment receipts. Following the inventory and verification procedures, the firearms were transported to the RCSU 11 headquarters at Camp Sgt. Quintin M. Merecido in Buhangin, Davao City, where they are now under official police custody in accordance with existing PNP rules and regulations.
The PNP described the activity as an example of its balanced approach to firearms regulation—strict in the enforcement of laws while respecting legal processes and maintaining professional coordination with concerned stakeholders.
Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., Chief of the Philippine National Police, said the operation reflects the organization’s continuing efforts to ensure that laws are implemented in a lawful, orderly, and respectful manner.
“Ang mahalaga ay malinaw at maayos ang pagpapatupad ng batas, na may paggalang sa proseso at pakikipag-ugnayan sa lahat ng panig. This underscores our continuing effort to ensure that enforcement is carried out with professionalism, transparency, and due regard for proper procedures,” Nartatez said.
The PNP chief added that the organization continues to strengthen its internal systems and regulatory mechanisms to promote consistency, integrity, and accountability in the enforcement of firearms laws across the country.
Officials noted that the undertaking forms part of the PNP’s Focused Agenda under Enhanced Managing Police Operations, which seeks to improve the efficiency, discipline, and accountability of police regulatory functions. The initiative also supports the governance agenda of Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., which aims to strengthen institutional processes related to public safety and security.
The PNP emphasized that transparent and well-coordinated firearms regulatory procedures are essential in maintaining public confidence in law enforcement institutions. By ensuring that all actions are conducted within the bounds of the law and with proper documentation, authorities said they are reinforcing the credibility of firearms regulation and compliance mechanisms.
Police officials reiterated that the successful safekeeping operation reflects the organization’s broader goal of building a more responsive, accountable, and service-oriented police force under its guiding principle, “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman.”
The activity, they said, demonstrates a process-driven approach to law enforcement that prioritizes professionalism, transparency, and respect for legal procedures while safeguarding public safety.