CEBU CITY – As a result of an intensified campaign, at least 430 unlicensed firearms were confiscated last month in various areas in Central Visayas.

POLICE Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan, chief of PRO-7, shows a cache of seized firearms to Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Junvic Remulla on Wednesday, Feb. 5. (Contributed photo)
The confiscated firearms were presented to Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Junvic Remulla who visited the Police Regional Office-Central Visayas (PRO-7) headquarters here on Wednesday, Feb. 5.
Police Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan, chief of PRO-7, said the intensified campaign against loose firearms is part of the preparations to ensure a peaceful election in May.
Maranan said 22 firearms were recovered during the “Oplan: Katok” campaign while 408 were seized during the “Oplan: Boga” drive.
Four hundred ten operations were conducted and 117 individuals were arrested from Jan. 1 to 31.
“We stand together with our nation in the pursuit of zero election-related incidents, and we need your cooperation and vigilance. By staying alert, we can protect the integrity of our democracy and honor the values we hold as citizens of this country," said Maranan.
Maranan said regular checkpoints, which play a key role in intercepting individuals illegally carrying firearms, will continue in the next few months as the midterm polls near.
He asked the public to help the police in the campaign against loose firearms.