BUTUAN CITY, Philippines — The Police Regional Office 13 (PRO13) recovered a total of 283 loose firearms across the Caraga Region in less than a month, following 271 police operations conducted from October 8 to 31, 2026, as authorities intensify efforts to remove unregistered and illegally possessed firearms from communities.
PRO13 Regional Director Brig. Gen. Rolindo M. Suguilon disclosed the accomplishment during a press briefing at the PRO13 Multi-Purpose Center in Camp Col. Rafael C. Rodriguez, Libertad, Butuan City, on Wednesday, November 4.
The operations, which involved the implementation of search warrants, police response activities, checkpoint inspections, and searches incidental to lawful arrests, also resulted in the arrest of seven individuals.
The recovery figures showed that Agusan del Sur recorded the highest number of confiscated and surrendered loose firearms, with 62 units. It was followed by Surigao del Sur with 56, Agusan del Norte with 47, Surigao del Norte with 46, Butuan City with 38, Dinagat Islands with 25, and the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 13 with nine.
The provincial and city police offices accounted for the bulk of the recovered firearms, underscoring the continuing presence of loose firearms across several areas of Caraga and the importance of sustained law enforcement operations.
During the presentation, Suguilon commended provincial police directors, the Butuan City police director, force commanders, chiefs of police, and personnel deployed on the ground for their contributions to the campaign.
He said PRO13 would continue strengthening its operations and increasing police visibility to prevent loose firearms from being used in criminal activities and other threats to public safety.
“I assure the public that PRO13 will sustain and intensify its operations, strengthen police visibility, and remain steadfast in its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of communities across the Caraga Region,” Suguilon said.
He also appealed to individuals possessing loose firearms to voluntarily surrender them to the nearest police station.
The campaign forms part of the police’s broader efforts to address the proliferation of firearms outside the legal regulatory system. Authorities are expected to sustain operations across the region as they pursue the recovery of firearms that may pose risks to community security.
The figures were presented to members of the media, who were also given the opportunity to raise questions and seek clarification regarding the operations and the regional police office’s continuing campaign.
While the recovery of 283 firearms represents a significant operational accomplishment, the seven arrests also highlight the enforcement component of the campaign. PRO13 has yet to provide a breakdown of the recovered firearms according to whether they were voluntarily surrendered or seized during police operations.