Police Seize Firearms and Ammunition in Negros Oriental Raid, Arrest Suspect
Operatives of the Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) successfully seized firearms and ammunition during a targeted search warrant operation in Sitio Lower Moog, Barangay Planas, Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental, on April 16, 2026. The operation also led to the arrest of a suspect identified as alias Mando, a 34-year-old resident of the area.
Details of the Police Operation
Lieutenant Colonel Joem Malong, chief of the PRO-NIR Public Information Office, reported that the operation was conducted by a joint team from the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office (Norppo) Intelligence Unit, Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (PDEU), and Guihulngan City Police Station. The raid was executed under a search warrant for violations of Republic Act 10591, also known as the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
Malong explained that the operation was initiated in response to multiple complaints from concerned citizens. The suspect was allegedly brandishing and discharging a firearm, which caused significant threats and fear among local residents. To validate these reports, police conducted casing and surveillance operations, which confirmed that the suspect was not a licensed firearm holder.
Items Recovered and Suspect Detention
During the search, police recovered the following items from the suspect's possession:
- One unit caliber .45 pistol
- Two magazines for a caliber .45 pistol
- One black holster
- Eleven rounds of caliber .45mm live ammunition
The suspect is currently detained at the custodial facility of the Guihulngan City Police Station, pending further legal proceedings.
Police Commitment to Community Safety
Malong emphasized that this successful operation highlights the sustained and intelligence-driven efforts of PRO-NIR to locate and neutralize sources of illegal firearms within communities. She stated that through the lawful implementation of search warrants and strengthened coordination among operating units, the police force continues to advance its mandate of ensuring safer communities.
This proactive approach aims to prevent potential threats posed by loose firearms in the Negros Island Region, reinforcing the police's dedication to public safety and crime prevention. The operation serves as a reminder of the importance of community cooperation in reporting suspicious activities to authorities.
