Police Intensify Crackdown on Illegal Firearms in Negros Island Region
In a significant enforcement action, operatives from the Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) successfully confiscated firearms and ammunition during coordinated search warrant operations across two provinces on February 3, 2026. The raids targeted locations in Barangay Maluay, Zamboanguita, Negros Oriental, and Barangay Camingawan, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental, underscoring a broader campaign against unlicensed weapons.
Dual Operations Lead to Arrests and Seizures
The operations resulted in the apprehension of two individuals linked to illegal firearm possession. In Negros Oriental, alias "Dodong," a 57-year-old resident of Sitio Mag-abo, Barangay Maluay, was arrested. Simultaneously, in Negros Occidental, alias "Ron-Ron," a 26-year-old resident of Purok Bougainvillea, Barangay Camingawan, was taken into custody. Both suspects are now detained at their respective municipal police stations, pending further legal proceedings.
Detailed Account of the Negros Oriental Raid
According to Lieutenant Colonel Joem Malong, chief of the PRO-NIR Public Information Office, the operation in Zamboanguita was executed by a joint team from the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office (NOrPPO) Intelligence Unit, Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (PDEU), and Zamboanguita Municipal Police Station. Acting on a search warrant for violations of Republic Act 10591, the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, police raided the residence of alias "Dodong."
Malong explained that the raid was prompted by credible intelligence indicating the suspect possessed an unlicensed .45-caliber firearm. Reports also alleged that he had been threatening community members and brandishing the weapon, creating a climate of fear. To validate these claims, operatives conducted extensive casing and surveillance, confirming that the suspect lacked any legal authorization to own or possess firearms.
During the search, authorities recovered the following items:
- One Colt .45-caliber pistol
- One steel magazine for .45-caliber ammunition
- Five pieces of live ammunition
Insights from the Negros Occidental Operation
In a parallel effort, operatives from the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (Nocppo) Intelligence Unit and Kabankalan City Police Station raided the home of alias "Ron-Ron" under a similar search warrant for RA 10591 violations. Malong noted that Nocppo intelligence received tips from a confidential informant, reporting that the suspect had discharged his firearm on multiple occasions, alarming local residents and disrupting public safety.
After conducting thorough surveillance to corroborate the information, police executed the warrant and seized the following evidence:
- One .38-caliber revolver
- Three rounds of live ammunition
PRO-NIR's Commitment to Enhanced Security Measures
Malong emphasized that under strong leadership, PRO-NIR is ramping up its anti-loose firearms initiatives through a multi-faceted approach. This strategy includes:
- Intelligence-driven policing to preempt criminal activities
- Heightened police visibility in communities
- Strengthened collaboration with local government units and stakeholders
She reiterated the agency's unwavering dedication to its mission, stating, "The public is assured that law enforcement operations against illegal firearms will be sustained and further intensified. Those who defy firearm laws will be pursued relentlessly and held fully accountable under the law." Malong further disclosed that PRO-NIR remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering safer communities and ensuring peace and security prevail throughout the Negros Island Region.
These operations highlight the ongoing efforts to curb illegal firearm possession, which poses significant risks to public safety. By leveraging community reports and proactive policing, PRO-NIR aims to dismantle networks involved in weapon-related offenses and uphold the rule of law in the region.
