07/10/2025
PNP INTENSIFIES CRACKDOWN ON LOOSE FI****MS; 21,597 FI****MS ACCOUNTED NATIONWIDE
By order of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to rationalize government structures and strengthen internal security efforts, the Philippine National Police has intensified its campaign against loose fi****ms, a key step in dismantling private armed groups.
From January 1 to October 2, 2025, the PNP recorded a total of 21,597 fi****ms captured, confiscated, or surrendered nationwide. A total of 9,044 individuals were arrested in connection with illegal possession and other firearm-related offenses, while 7,759 fi****ms were voluntarily turned in for safekeeping as part of the PNP’s ongoing efforts to encourage responsible gun ownership and accountability.
This major achievement comes alongside an institutional reform within the organization, marked by the deactivation of the five Area Police Commands (APCs), Northern Luzon, Southern Luzon, Visayas, Eastern Mindanao, and Western Mindanao, and the activation of the Special Task Force on the Disbandment of Private Armed Groups (STF-DPAGs).
The move stems from a NAPOLCOM Circular issued in alignment with the President’s veto message, directing the removal of redundant units to improve efficiency and operational focus. The newly activated task force will coordinate nationwide efforts to identify, neutralize, and disband private armed groups and recover their stockpiles of unregistered fi****ms.
“This organizational reform is a direct response to the President’s call for a leaner, smarter, and more focused police force,” said Acting Chief PNP, PLTGEN Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. “We are shifting from structure-heavy to mission-focused policing. Our priority is to dismantle private armed groups and take away the fi****ms that fuel violence and lawlessness in the regions.”
Under this new framework, the STF-DPAGs operates under the overall supervision of Deputy Chief PNP for Operations, PLTGEN Edgar Alan O. Okubo, who will oversee sub-task force commanders in key operational areas. These field teams are tasked with identifying both existing and potential private armed groups, disarming them, and accounting for all recovered weapons in close coordination with regional and provincial police offices.
PNP Spokesperson PBGEN Randulf T. Tuaño emphasized that the success of the campaign depends not only on enforcement but also on collaboration with local communities and partner agencies.
“Every firearm taken off the streets represents a life potentially saved,” he said. “This is not just a police operation, it is a shared mission with our people to build safer, more peaceful communities across the country.”
The PNP reaffirmed its commitment to uphold due process in all firearm operations and encouraged the public to support the ongoing campaign by reporting information on illegal fi****ms and private armed groups to the nearest police station.
