CAMP RAFAEL C. RODRIGUEZ, Butuan City – The Police Regional Office-13 seized 107 loose firearms and 11 explosives during the week-long intensified Simultaneous Anti-Criminality Law Enforcement Operations in line with the election gun ban from September 6 to 12.
The PRO-13 Regional Operations Division (ROD) said the Agusan del Sur Police Provincial Office (PPO) netted 43 firearms and three arrested persons; followed by Surigao del Sur PPO with 23 firearms, five explosives, and one arrest, and Agusan del Norte PPO with 16 firearms, two explosives, and one apprehension.
The Surigao del Norte PPO seized 15 firearms and two explosives, Butuan City Police Office (BCPO), six firearms and two explosives, and Dinagat Islands PPO, four firearms.
Seventy loose firearms were surrendered during “Oplan: Bakal,” 32 from “Oplan: Katok,” three from police response, and two during search warrants.
Among the explosives confiscated were two grenades, three Improvised Explosive Device materials, one M203 ammunition, and five rifle grenades.
PRO-13 Director Police Brig. Gen. Kirby John B. Kraft ordered all field units to step up the drive against loose firearms without let up as the campaign period is fast approaching.
"With the upcoming campaign period, we will do our best to seize loose firearms in the region as part of our efforts to ensure a safe and peaceful 2023 barangay and SK election."