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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 283 loose guns, P18 M worth of illegal drugs seized in 15-day operations in Western Visayas

283 loose guns, P18 M worth of illegal drugs seized in 15-day operations in Western Visayas

Published Aug 18, 2026 03:42 pm
Brigadier General Randulf T. Tuaño inspects firearms recovered across Western Visayas. (Tara Yap)
Brigadier General Randulf T. Tuaño inspects firearms recovered across Western Visayas. (Tara Yap)
Police seized 283 loose firearms in Western Visayas in the first 15 days of August in an aggressive regionwide operations that also resulted in the arrest of 13 people for illegal possession of unlicensed guns.
In the same period from Aug. 1 to 15, Western Visayas regional police chief Brig. Gen. Randult T. Tuaño, said his men also arrested 74 people and confiscated around P18 million worth of illegal drugs.
Tuaño said the campaign against loose guns was based on the instruction of the leadership of the Philippine National Police (PNP) to focus on loose guns which are the main instruments in criminal activities.
“Every firearm we account for matters. It means one less firearm that can fall into the wrong hands or be used in a situation where someone could get hurt,” said Tuaño.
“We appreciate those who choose to surrender or turn over firearms properly, and we will continue to enforce the law fairly while working with our communities to keep Western Visayas safe,” he added.
He reminded the public that firearms must be possessed and carried only in accordance with existing laws and regulations, “Those who have unlicensed, undocumented, or otherwise improperly held firearms are encouraged to coordinate with the nearest police station for proper guidance and lawful disposition.”
On the other hand, Tuaño said among the 74 arrested in anti-illegal drugs campaign were 24 high-value individuals and 50 street-level individuals.
He said his men also recovered a total of 2,661.1 grams of suspected shabu, with an estimated street value of ₱18,095,480.00, along with 14 grams of suspected kush valued at ₱1,680.00.
The largest volume of suspected shabu was recovered in Iloilo Province, Iloilo City, and Negros Occidental.
Tuaño said the figures underscore the importance of consistent police work and close coordination with communities and partner agencies, “These results show that our anti-drug efforts remain active and focused.”
“But our work does not stop with seizures and arrests. We also have to prevent drugs from reaching our communities in the first place, and that requires the continued support of our local government units, schools, families, and the public,”Tuaño said.
He likewise reminded the public to remain vigilant and to immediately report information on illegal drug activities through proper and lawful channels.

Related Tags

drug war Loose firearms Western Visayas
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