Police shut down the operation of 15 gun-manufacturing sites in Danao City in Cebu as part of the efforts to contain the problem of proliferation of loose firearms in the country.

Police Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan, director of the Police Regional Office 7, said the operation against the illegal manufacturing sites was an offshoot of confirmed intelligence reports about the existence and scope of illegal firearm production in Barangay Cahumayan.  

“This mission is part of the strategic countermeasures against criminal gangs, drug syndicates, private armed groups and terrorists, who rely on these illicit gun factories to perpetuate violence not only in Central Visayas, but across the nation,” said Maranan.

Danao City is known for manufacturing firearms, particularly those referred to as "paltiks".

Seized during the operations were 10 machines used for illegal gun manufacturing confiscated; unfinished pistols such as two lower receivers, three upper receivers and three barrels; assorted magazines and other equipment.

Maranan vowed to further intensify the intelligence-gathering in order to prevent the illegal manufacture of firearms, saying the existence of such facilities is a direct threat to national security.

“The simultaneous dismantling of fifteen illegal gun-making sites reflects the intensity of our commitment to rid Central Visayas of deadly weapons. These manufacturers fuel violence by supplying firearms to criminal gangs, drug syndicates, private armed groups, and even insurgents and terrorists,” said Maranan.

“Their destruction is not just a local triumph—it is a strategic blow to criminal networks operating nationwide,” he added.