PBGen Lucas Highlights PRO CALABARZON’s Success in Combating Loose Firearms Ahead of 2025 Elections

The Police Regional Office CALABARZON’s Regional Director, PBGen Paul Kenneth T. Lucas, presented the office’s recent achievements in combating loose firearms during a press briefing held today, September 3, 2024, at Camp BGen Vicente P. Lim in Calamba City, Laguna.

PBGen Lucas emphasized that these efforts are part of the preparations for the 2025 Midterm Elections, highlighting the command’s commitment to maintaining peace and order as the critical election period approaches.

From January 1, 2024, to August 31, 2024, PRO CALABARZON conducted a notable 60,332 police operations, which included executing search warrants, setting up checkpoints, conducting Oplan Bakal/Sita, police patrols/responses, and Oplan Katok. These operations led to the confiscation, recovery, and seizure of a total of 2,929 firearms. Of these, 991 were confiscated and 1,938 were secured for safekeeping. The seized firearms included 2,899 small firearms, 30 light weapons, and 92 homemade firearms, with 317 submitted to the crime laboratory for further examination.

The operations also resulted in the arrest of 612 individuals, with 606 cases already filed in court. The success of this initiative is attributed to the dedicated efforts of PRO CALABARZON personnel and the active cooperation of the community in reporting illegal activities involving loose firearms.

“The achievement we are celebrating today is a testament to the strong partnership between PRO CALABARZON and the public. Together, we are working towards a safe and peaceful environment for all,” said PBGen Lucas during the briefing.

RD Lucas also emphasized that the campaign against loose firearms will continue with the same intensity. “Our efforts will not cease until every illegal weapon is removed from the streets and out of the hands of those who would use them to harm others. We are committed to sustaining the momentum we have built and ensuring that our region remains secure as we approach the 2025 elections,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Regional Director expressed his heartfelt congratulations to the personnel of PRO CALABARZON for their exemplary work and extended his gratitude to the community and various stakeholders for their steadfast support.
“Hinihikayat ko ang lahat na patuloy niyo suportahan ang aming kampanya laban sa kriminalidad. Magtulungan tayo tungo sa isang maayos at maunlad na Bagong Pilipinas, kung saan ang Gusto ng Pulis, Ligtas Ka!” he added.