The Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) successfully recovered 53 firearms, arrested four individuals, and confiscated one explosive device during its intensified campaign against loose firearms conducted from May 1 to May 31, 2026. This initiative is part of ongoing anti-criminality and public safety operations across Iloilo City.
Police Leadership Commends Efforts
Police Colonel Wilbert Parilla, ICPO city director, praised all operating units for their contributions to the campaign and pledged to maintain aggressive operations against the unlawful possession of firearms.
"We will continue to intensify our campaign against loose firearms and promote responsible gun ownership for a safer Iloilo City. The ICPO will remain relentless against violators. We will sustain intensified operations and, when necessary, implement the service of search warrants against individuals unlawfully possessing firearms," Parilla stated.
Results of 53 Citywide Operations
The achievements stemmed from 53 citywide operations conducted throughout May 2026 under the ICPO's ongoing efforts to curb criminal activities and strengthen public safety. Of the 53 firearms recovered, 35 were deposited for safekeeping, 14 were voluntarily surrendered by their owners, and four were confiscated during police operations. Authorities also recovered one explosive device during the same period.
The four individuals arrested in separate operations are currently in police custody and face charges for violating Republic Act (RA) 10591, also known as the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
Station Performance Highlights
Among the operating units, Iloilo City Police Station (ICPS) 2 recorded the highest accomplishment with seven recovered firearms. ICPS 1 and ICPS 6 followed with six recovered firearms each. ICPS 3 and ICPS 4 each reported five recoveries. ICPS 5, ICPS 7, ICPS 9, and ICPS 10 registered four recoveries each. ICPS 8 and the Iloilo City Mobile Force Company (ICMFC) each accounted for three recovered firearms, while the City Drug Enforcement Unit (CDEU) recorded one accomplishment.
Broader Campaign for Public Safety
The ICPO emphasized that the campaign is part of broader efforts to prevent firearm-related crimes and encourage lawful gun ownership among residents. To support responsible gun ownership, the ICPO conducted a two-day License to Own and Possess Firearms (LTOPF) Caravan on May 7 and 8, 2026, at the Conference Hall of the Nutrition Center, ICARE Building, General Luna Street, Iloilo City.
The caravan provided firearm owners and applicants with easier access to licensing services and information on firearms regulations, complementing the police office's enforcement actions against loose firearms.
Sustained Commitment to Peace and Order
Police officials stated that the sustained campaign reflects the ICPO's commitment to maintaining peace and order by removing unlicensed firearms from communities while encouraging firearm owners to comply with existing laws and regulations. The police continue to monitor firearm-related activities and implement law enforcement measures aimed at ensuring public safety throughout the city.
