1 month ago
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CAMP OLIVAS, City of San Fernando, Pampanga — The Police Regional Office in Central Luzon (PRO-3) reported on Sunday that several loose firearms were voluntary surrendered in the province of Nueva Ecija.
PRO-3 director BGen. Jean Fajardo said that in Barangay Papaya, San Antonio, Nueva Ecija on Feb. 7, 2025, the Nueva Ecija Police Provincial Office (Neppo), headed by Col. Ferdinand Germino, facilitated the surrender of several unlicensed firearms from alleged members of a private armed group.
LOOSE FIREARMS Firearms and ammunition that were voluntary surrendered by alleged members of a private armed group from San Antonio town in Nueva Ecija are presented to the media by Nueva Ecija Police Provincial Office director Col. Ferdinand Germino (left) and Col. Eugenio Julio Osias of the Philippine Army on Feb. 7, 2025. NEPPO PHOTO
Fajardo said the turnover of the firearms was made possible through the implementation of the "Balik Baril" program and the strong collaboration among the Neppo, local government units, and other law enforcement agencies.
The surrendered weapons were a silver caliber.45 pistol, four additional silver caliber.45 pistols, a black Colt.380 pistol, a black M16 rifle, a 12-gauge shotgun, several magazines, and numerous rounds of ammunition.
Earlier, Fajardo identified the town of San Antonio as the only area of concern under the orange category with immediate armed threats for the coming elections in the region.
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Last week, Germino promised that he will clear Nueva Ecija of private armed groups before the May 2025 election.
Fajardo emphasized the importance of this development in the broader effort to prevent election-related violence.
She commended the Neppo for its proactive approach, recognizing their dedication to keeping communities safe and ensuring that no armed group can threaten the democratic process.
"This is a decisive step toward a safer and more secure election. The voluntary surrender of these firearms proves that our relentless campaign against loose firearms is working," Fajardo said.
"We will not allow private armed groups or illegal weapons to threaten the peace and stability of Central Luzon. I commend the Nueva Ecija Police Provincial Office for their dedication and urge those still holding unlicensed firearms to surrender them now."
With the 2025 midterm elections fast approaching, PRO-3 is ramping up its efforts to rid Central Luzon of loose firearms and ensure a secure and peaceful electoral process.
PRO-3 urges individuals still in possession of unlicensed weapons to surrender them immediately.
