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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PNP steps up drive vs gun-for-hire groups, loose firearms

PNP steps up drive vs gun-for-hire groups, loose firearms

Published Aug 2, 2026 02:12 pm
Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr., chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), ordered all police commanders to step up the campaign against gun-for-hire syndicates through strengthened operational and intelligence efforts to dismantle criminal groups involved in contract killings.
And the aggressive campaign against loose firearms can also reinforce the campaign against gun-for-hire groups.
Loose firearms are primarily tools of organized criminal elements and PNP records revealed that in some cases, a confiscated firearm from a member of gun-for-hire or syndicates is connected to more than two recorded criminal activities.
“We are intensifying operations against illegal firearms, pursuing wanted persons linked to organized criminal activities, and working closely with prosecutors and partner agencies to ensure successful prosecution,” said Nartatez.
He said the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) was already tasked to validate any information related to alleged gun-for-hire operations as part of the general efforts in running after loose firearms.
Nartatez also instructed the Intelligence Group (IG) to intensify monitoring of organized crime groups and contract-killing syndicates and ensure timely intelligence sharing with police units on the ground.
He also highlighted the importance of operations against loose firearms and armed groups as part of the security measures for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
Nartatez, meanwhile, asked the public to help them in order to maximize the operation aimed at dismantling the groups, “If anyone, regardless of position, has credible information that could help identify individuals or syndicates involved in contract killings, we encourage them to share it with law enforcement so it can be properly validated and acted upon”.
“Every piece of credible information can help save lives, solve cases, and hold offenders accountable. We encourage the public to continue working with the PNP as we pursue those who threaten the safety and security of our communities,” he added.

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PNP Loose firearms Gun-for-hire
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